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REPORT 



COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR 



ATTACK ON PETERSBURG, 



30TH DAY OF JUI.Y, 1§64. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1865. 











^ 



JUL 24 1903 
D. ofD. 



38th Congress, ) SENATE. ( Rep. Com 

2d Session. / \ No. 114. 



(izi: 



IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



February 6, 1865.— Ordered to be printed. 
February 10, 1865.— Ordered that 5,000 additional copies be printed. 



In the Senate of the United States, 

December 15, 1864. 
On motion by Mr. Anthony, 

Resolved, That the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the "War be directed to inquire into 
and report the facts concerning the attack on Petersburg, on the 30th day of July, 1864. 

Attest : J. W. FORNEY, Secretary. 



Mr. Wade submitted the following 

REPOET. 

The Committee on tlie Conduct of the War, in pursuance of the foregoing reso- 
lution, submit the following report, with accompanying testimony : 

In the attack upon the enemy's lines before Petersburg, the 16th, 17th, and 
18th of June, 1864, the ninth corps gained an advanced position beyond a deep 
cut in the railroad, within about one hundred and twenty-five yards of the 
enemy's lines. Just in rear of that advanced position was a deep hollow, where 
work could be carried on entirely out of sight of the enemy. 

Within a few days after that position had been gained. Lieutenant Colonel 
Henry Pleasants, 48th Pennsylvania volunteers, made the suggestion to General 
Potter, commanding the division, that a mine could be run under one of the 
enemy's batteries, by means of which it could be blown up, and an opening 
made in the enemy's lines.' The suggestion having been submitted to General 
Burnside, it was approved by him, and work was commenced upon the mine on 
the 25th of June. 

It will be seen from the testimony of Lieutenant Colonel Pleasants that he 
labored under disadvantages in the successful accomplishment of this important 
work, which would have deterred a man of less energy and determination. It 
was not merely the evident lack of faith in the success of the enterprise shown 
by all the officers of high rank but his division and corps commanders, but 
that lack of faith was accompanied by an entire failure to furnish the assistance 
and implements necessary to the success of the undertaking within a reasona- 
ble time. And your committee take pleasure in commending the zeal, energy, 
and persistence displayed on that occasion by Lieutenant Colonel Pleasants and 
the men of the 48th Pennsylvania regiment, under his command. And the 
failure of the attack, resulting from causes with which Colonel Pleasants could 
have no connexion, should not be allowed to detract from the meed of praise 
due to that officer. 

The testimony of Colonel Pleasants, on that point, is as follows : 



2 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

" Question. Can you fix the time vvlien you mentioned the matter to General 
Burnside, when you commenced the work, &c. 1 

" Answer, The work was commenced at 12 o'clock, noon, on the 25th of June, 
1864. I saw General Burnside the night previous, and commenced the mine 
right off: — the next day. . 

" Question. Did you have any communication with any other commanders 
on the subject 1 

" Answer. No, sir. 

" Question. About how many men did you employ in the work ? 

"Answer. My regiment was only about four hundred strong. At first I employed 
but a few men at a time, but the number was increased as the work progressed, 
until at last I had to use the whole regiment, non-commissioned officers and all. 
The great difficulty I had was ,to dispose of the material got out of the mine. 
I found it impossible to get any assistance from anybody ; I had to do all the 
work myself. I had to remove all the earth in old cracker boxes. I got pieces 
of hickory and nailed on the boxes in which we received our crackers, and then 
iron-cladded them with hoops of iron taken from old beef and pork barrels. 

" Question. Why were you not able to get better instruments with which to 
construct so important a work ? 

" Answer. I do not know. Whenever I made application I could not get any- 
thing, although General Burnside was very favorable to it. The most im- 
portant thing was to ascertain how far I had to mine, because if I fell short of 
or went beyond the proper place the explosion would have no practical effect. 
Therefore, I wanted an accurate instrument with which to make the necessary 
triangulations. I had to make them on the furthest front line, where the ene- 
my's sharpshooters could reach me. I could not get the instrument I wanted, 
although there was one at army headquarters ; and General Burnside had to 
Bend to Washington and get an old-fashioned theodolite, which was given 
to me. 

" Question. Do you know any reason why you could not have had the bet- 
ter instrument which was at army headquarters 1 

" Answer. I do not. I know this : that General Burnside told me that 
General Meade and Major Duaue, chief engineer of the army of the Potomac, 
said the thing could not be done ; that it w^s all clap trap and nonsense ; that 
such a length of mine had never been excavated in military operations, and 
could not be ; that I should either get the men smothered for want of air or 
crushed by the falling of the earth, or the enemy would find it out, and it would 
amount to nothing. I could get no boards and lumber supplied to me for my 
operations. I had to get a pass, and send two companies of my own regiment 
with wagons outside of our lines to rebel saw-mills and get lumber in that way, 
after having previously got what lumber 1 could by tearing down an old bridge. 
I had no mining picks furnished me, but had to take common picks and have 
them straightened for my mining picks. 

" Question. Was General Burnside the only officer who seemed to favor the 
mine? 

"Answer. The only officer of high rank, so far as I learned. General Burn- 
side, the corps commander, and General Potter, the division commander, 
seemed to be the only high officers who believed in it. 

" Question. How long from the time you commenced the mine did it take 
you to finish it ? 

" Answer. I finished the whole thing, lateral gallei'ies and all, ready to put 
the powder in, on the 23d of July. 

" Question. How long would it have taken you had you been supplied with 
the proper tools and instruments ? 

" Answer. I could have done it in one-third or one-fourth of the time. The 
greatest cause of the delay was taking the material out. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 6 

" Question. How far did you have to carry it ? 

" Answer. The whole length of the mine, and to where it could be deposited, 
and every night I had to get the pioneers of my regiment to cut bushes and 
cover it up where it had been deposited ; otherwise the enemy could have 
climbed up the trees in their lines and seen the pile of newly excavated earth. 

" Question. What was the length of the mine ? 

"Answer. The main gallery was SlOy^^ feet in length; the left lateral gallery 
was 37 feet in length, and the right lateral gallery was 38 feet. The magazines 
were to be placed in the lateral galleries. 

" Question. What were the dimensions of the galleries? 

"Answer, They varied at different places ; I suppose the average was 4 J by 
4i feet." 

On the 26th of July, at the request of General Meade, the following plan of 
attack was submitted to him by General Burnside : 

"Headquarters 9th Army Corps, 

"July2Q, 1864. 

" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your notes this morning by 
Captains Jay and Bache ; also of a telegram from the commanding general, 
relating to the same subject. 

" It is altogether probable that the enemy are cognizant of the fact that we 
are mining, because it is mentioned in their papers, and they have been heard 
to work on what are supposed to be shafts in close proximity to our galleries . 
But the rain of night before last has no doubt much retarded their work ; we 
have heard no sounds of work in them, either yesterday or to-day ; and nothing 
is heard by us in the mine but the ordinary sounds of work on the surface 
above. This morning we had some apprehension that the left lateral gallery 
was in danger of caving in from the weight of the batteries above it, and the 
shock of their firing. But all possible precautious have been taken to strengthen 
it, and we hope to preserve it intact. 

" The placing of the charges in the mine will not involve the necessity of 
making a noise. It is therefore probable that we will escape discovery if the 
mine is to be used within two or three days. It is nevertheless highly import- 
ant, in my opinion, that the mine should be exploded at the earliest possible 
moment consistent with the general interests of the campaign. I state to you 
the facts as nearly as I can, and, in the absence of any knowledge as to the 
meditated movements of the army, I must leave you to judge the proper time to 
make use of the mine. But it may not be improper for me to say that the ad- 
vantages reaped from the work would be but small if it were exploded without 
any co-operative movement. 

" My plan would be to explode the mine just before daylight in the morning, 
or at about five o'clock in the afternoon. Mass the two brigades of the colored 
division in rear of my first line, in columns of division — " double columns 
closed in mass," the head of each brigade resting on the front line ; and as 
soon as the explosion has taken place, move them forward with instructions for 
the division to take half distance, and as soon as the leading regiments of the 
two brigades pass through the gap in the enemy's line, the leading regiment of 
the right brigade to come into line perpendicular to the enemy's line by the 
right companies ' on the right into line wheel,' the left companies ' on the right into 
line,' and proceed at once down the line of the enemy's works as rapidly as 
possible ; and the leading regiment of the left brigade to execute the reverse 
movement to the left, running up the enemy's line. The remainder of the col- 
umns to move directly towards the crest in front as rapidly as possible, diverg- 
ing in such a way as to enable them to deploy into column of regiments, the 
right column making as nearly as possible for Cemetery hill. These columns 



4 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

to be followed by the other divisions of "the corps, as soon as they can be 
thrown in. 

" This would involve the necessity of relieving these divisions by other 
troops before the movement, and of holding columns of other troops in readiness 
to take our place on the crest, in case we gain it, and sweep down it. It would, 
in my opinion, be advisable, if we succeed in gaining the crest, to throw the 
colored division right into the town. There is a necessity for the co-operation, 
at least in the way of artillery, of the troops on our right and left. Of the extent 
of this you will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of success in a 
plan of this kind are more than even. 

" The main gallery of the mine is 522 feet in length ; the side galleries about 
forty feet each. My suggestion is, that eight magazines be placed in the lateral 
galleries, two at ejch end, say a few feet apart, in branches at right angles to 
the side gallery, and two more in each of the side galleries, similarly placed by 
pairs, situated equi-distant from each other and the end of the galleries ; tamp, 
beginning at the termination of the main gallery, say one hundred feet, leaving 
all the air space in the side galleries. Run out some five or six fases and two 
wires, to render the ignition of the charges certain. I propose to put in each 
of the eight magazines from twelve to fourteen hundred pounds of powder; the 
magazines to be connected by a trough of powder instead of a fuse. 

" I beg to enclose a copy of a statement from General Potter on the sub- 
ject : 

" I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a woods near our 
ammunition train, about a mile in rear of this place. Lieutenant Colonel Pierce, 
chief quartermaster, will furnish (Japtain Strang with a guide to the place. I 
beg also to request that General Benham be instructed to send us, at once, eight 
thousand saud-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes. 

"A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 

"Major General Humphreys, 

" CMef of Stafr 

General Burnside testifies that, under his orders, the division of colored 
troops, under General Ferrero, had been drilling for some weeks with the view 
of making the attack in the manner set forth in the plan submitted to General 
Meade, f lis reasons for selecting that division for the advance, and which were 
stated to General Meade in an interview with him on the 28th of July, wei'e, 
that, in hi^ opinion, they were in a better condition to make a charge than 
either of the white divisions. The colored troops had not been in any very 
active service, had not been exposed much, were not broken down by hard 
work, and had, besides, been drilled for some weeks with special reference to 
this charge. The white divisions, on the contrary, had performed very arduous 
duties since the commencement of the campaign, and since they had occupied 
the position before Petersburg had been in such close proximity to the enemy 
that no man could raise his head above the parapets without danger of being 
fired at. They had been in the habit, during the whole of that time, of ap- 
proaching the main line by covered ways, and of using every possible means 
of covering themselves from the fire of the enemy. In the opinion of General, 
Bnrnside, in which he was sustained by the opinion of his inspector general, 
the white divisions were not then in a condition to make a vigorous charge. 

General Meade objected to the colored troops being placed in the advance 
His testimony upon that subject is as follows : 

•' Prior to issuing the orders for the assault. General Burnside told me it was 
his intention to place his colored division in the advance of the assaulting col- 
umn. I objected to his doing so, on the ground, not that I had any reason to 
believe that the colored troops would not do their duty as well as the white 
troops, but that, as they were a new division and had never been under fire, had 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBURG. 5 

never been tried, and as this was an operation which I knew beforehand was 
one requii-ing the very best troops, I thought it impolitic to trust it to a divis- 
ion of whose reliability we had no evidence. Therefore I thought that he 
ought to take one of his white divisions that he knew from long service could 
be relied upon. General Biirnside objected. I told him, then, that in view of 
his wishes upon the subject I would report the matter to the lieutenant general, 
state to him my reasons, and those of General Burnside, and let him decide. 
If he should decide that General Burnside's arguments were sound and mine 
were wrong, then I would yield. The matter was referred to General Grant, 
and he confirmed my view that it would be impolitic in a critical operation of 
that kind to take troops that were untried and place them in the advance, and 
it was upon that ground that General Burnside's opinion was overruled." 

General Grant's testimony upon this point is as follows : 

" General Burnside wanted to put his colored division in front, and I believe 
if he had done so it would have been a success. Still I agreed with General 
Meade in his objection to that plan. General Meade said that if we put the 
colored troops in front, (we had only that one division,) and it should prove a 
failure, it would then be said, and very properly, that we were shoving those 
people ahead to get killed because we did not care anything about them. But 
that could not be said if we put white troops in front. That is the only point 
he (General Meade) changed after he had given his orders to General Burnside." 

Instructions were accordingly given to General Burnside to select one of his 
divisions of white troops to lead the assault ; and the order of assault was also 
changed in respect to the sweeping down the enemy's lines to the right and left 
of the crater by the leading regiments of the assaulting column. General Burn- 
side testifies that he received the instructions to select a division of white troops 
to lead the assault, in the afternoon of the day preceding the 'morning for the 
assault. As there were reasons for assigning each one of the three white divis- 
ions to that duty, he determined to decide the question by lot, which was done. 
General Ledlie drew the lot to lead tlie advance, with his division. 

The mine was charged, and preparations made to spring it on the morning of 
the 30th of July. 

The following orders were issued by General Meade : 



Headquarters Army ok the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864. 
The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all concerned : 

1. As soon as it is dark. Major General Burnside, commanding 9th corps, will 
withdraw his two brigades under General White, occupying the intrenchments 
between the Plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care will 
be taken not to interfere with the troops of the 18th corps moving into their 
position in rear of the 9th corps. General Burnside will form his troops for as- 
saulting the enemy's works at daylight of the 30th, prepare his parapets and 
abattis for the passage of the columns, and have the pioneers equipped for work 
in opening passages for artillery, destroying enemy's abattis, and the intrench- 
ing tools distributed for effecting lodgment, &c., &c. 

2. Major General Warren, commanding 5th corps, will reduce the number of 
his troops holding the intrenchments of his front to the minimum, and concen- 
trate all his available force on his right and hold them prepared to support the 
assault of Major General Burnside. The preparations in respect to pioneers, 
intrenching tools, &c., &c., enjoined upon the 9th corps, will also be made by 
the 5th corps. 

3. As soon as it is dark. Major General Ord, commanding 18th corps, will 
relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott's division of the 2d corps, 



b EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 

and form liis corps in rear of the 9tli corps, and be prepared to support tlie as 
sault of Major General Burnside. 

4. Every preparation will be made for moving forward the field artillery of 
each corps, 

5. At dark, Major General Hancock, commanding 2d corps, will move from 
Deep Bottom to the rear of the intrenchments now held by the 18th corps, re- 
sume the command of Mott's division and be prepared at daylight to follow up 
the assaulting and supporting columns, or for such other operations as may be 
found necessary. 

6. Major General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom to Lee's mill, and at daylight will move with 
his whole corps, including Wilson's division, against the enemy's troops defend- 
ing Petersburg on their right by the roads leading to that town from the south- 
ward and westward. 

7. Major Duane, acting chief engineer, will have the pontoon trains parked 
at convenient points in the rear, prepared to move. He will see that supplies 
of sand-bags, gabions, facines, &c., &c., are in depot near the lines, ready for use. 

He will detail engin(;er officers for each corps. 

8. At half past three (3 J) in the morning of the 30th Major General Burn- 
side will spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immediately move 
rapidly upon the breach, seize the crest in the rear and effect a lodgment there. 
He will be followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, 
directing his movement to the crest indicated, and by Major General Warren, 
who will support him on the left. 

Upon the explosion of the mine the artillery of all kinds in battery Avill open 
upon those points of the enemy's works whose fire covers the ground over which 
our columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the progress of our 
troops. Special instructions respecting the direction of tire will be issued through 
the chief of artillery. 

9. Corps commanders will report to the commanding general when their 
preparations are complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of 
the operation and of everything important that occurs. 

10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential 
to success, and the commanding general is confident that this indication of his 
expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

11. Headquarters during the operations will be at the headquarters of the 
9th corps. 

By command of Major General Meade. 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass't Adj't General 

General Grant had shortly previous executed a movement on the north side 
of the James river, and to some extent turned the enemy's attention in that 
direction. 

On the morning of the 30th of July the match was applied to the mine at the 
time designated, but it failed to explode in consequence of the defective fuse 
employed. The fuse supplied had been in pieces, requiring that it should be 
spliced. It ceased to burn at one of the points of junction. The additional 
precaution had been taken to lay the fuse in a train of powder, but the powder 
had become damp from being so long laid, some thirty or more hours, and that 
also failed to ignite. After waiting some time Lieutenant Jacob Douty, first 
lieutenant company K, and Sergeant Henry Rees, now second lieutenant company 
F, 48th Pennsylvania regiment, volunteered and went in the mine, ascertained 
the cause of the failure to explode, and relighted the fuse. The mine exploded 
at 4.42 a. m. 

None of the witnesses seemed to be of the opinion that the delay in the ex- 
plosion of the mine had any effect upon the result of the operation. The enemy,- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 7 

SO far as could be ascertained, did not discover any of the preparations made for 
a movement. No opinion was expressed as to the effect upon our troops by their 
being obliged to wait an hour under arms before they had an opportunity to 
move forward 

la the course of from five to ten minutes after the explosion of the mine the 
division of General Ledlie charged from our lines and entered the enemy's line 
at the breach made by the explosion. The explosion had made a crater from 
150 to 200 feet in length, about 60 feet in width, and from 25 to 30 feet in 
depth, presenting a serious obstacle to the passage of troops. The organization 
of the division was broken, and the troops crowded into the crater and sought 
shelter there and for a short distance in the adjoining lines of the enemy. 

The first division met with but little resistance from the enemy before they 
reached the mine. Soon, however, fire was opened upon them from a battery 
of the enemy upon the right, and one upon the left, and, before long, from a 
battery in their front upon Cemetery hill. 

Another division was thrown in with about the same result as with the first, 
the troops immediately seeking shelter in the crater of the mine and the lines of 
the enemy adjacent thereto. The third division was thrown in with a similar 
result. From 150 to 200 yards of the enemy's lines on either side of the crater 
were occupied by our troops in that manner. By that time the enemy had re- 
covered from the confusion into which they had been thrown by the explosion 
of the mine, and a heavy fire C)f artillery and musketry was opened upon our 
troops from the right, left, and front. 

Several efforts were made to reorganize our troops and charge the crest 
of Cemetery hill, but none of them were successful. 

The fourth (colored) division was also ordered to advance, and did so under a 
heavy fire. They succeeded in passing the white troops, already in, but in a disor- 
ganized condition. They reformed to some extent and attempted to charge the 
hill in front, but without success, and broke in disorder to the rear. This was 
about 8.45 a. m., about four hours after the explosion of the mine. 

At 9.45 a. m. General Burnside received a peremptory order from General 
Meade to withdraw his troops. General Burnside testifies that, " Upon the re- 
ception of the order to withdraw our troops from the enemy's lines, I went to 
General Meade's headquarters and requested that that order might be rescinded, 
stating that I did not think we had fought long enough on that day, and that I 
thought we could succeed in carrying the crest if we persevered in the attack. 
He said that the order to withdraw was final, and that he had ordered all offensive 
operations on the right and left to cease." 

General Meade testifies, " He (General Burnside) was directed about ten or 
eleven o'clock to withdraw. The first order sent to him was a distinct order to 
withdraw. General Burnside came to the position where I was with General Grant, 
at the headquarters on the field, and stated that, in his judgment, it would be injudi- 
cious to withdraw at that moment — that it would cause great sacrifice of life. I im- 
mediately authorized him, in writing, to exercise his judgment in the withdrawal — 
to remain there as long as he deemed it necessary for the secure withdrawal of 
his command — stating that he could remain there, if he chose, until night." 

The troops were withdrawn between one and two o'clock in considerable con- 
fusion, caused by an assault of the enemy, and returned to the lines they had oc- 
cupied in the morning. 

The details of the charge and of the several movements of the different bodies 
of troops are given in the testimony. The loss sustained by our troops was 
between four and five thousand in killed, wounded, and missing. No troops 
took part in the assault except those of the 9th corps and a brigade of the 1 Sth 
corps. The only part taken in the operation by the 2d corps, on the righc, and 
the 5th corps, on the left, was to employ their artillery, which had the effect of 
silencing the mcjst of the enemy's batteries, but not all. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBUKG. 

Your committee canuot, from all tlie testimony, avoid the conclusion tliat the 
first and great cause of disaster was the change made on the afternoon pre- 
ceding the attack, in the arrangement of General Burnside to place the division 
of colored troops in the advance. The reasons assigned by General Burnside 
for not taking one of his divisions of white troops for that purpose are fully 
justified by the result of the attack. Their previous arduous labors, and pecu- 
liar position, exposed continually to the enemy's fire, had, as it were, trained 
them in the habit of seeking shelter; and, (true to that training, they sought 
shelter the first opportunity that presented itself after leaving our lines. And it 
is but reasonable to suppose that the immediate commander of a corps is better 
acquainted with the condition and efficiency of particular divisions of his corps 
than a general further removed from them. 

The conduct of the colored troops, when they were put into action, would seem 
to fully justify the confidence that General Burnside reposed in them. And 
General Grant himself, in his testimony, expresses his belief that if they had 
been placed in the advance, as General Burnside desired, the assault would have 
been successful, although at the time the colored troops were ordered in the white 
troops already in were in confusion and had failed in the assault upon the crest 
beyond the crater, and the fire of the enemy had become exceedingly destructive. 
The colored troops advanced in good order, passed through the enemy's lines 
and beyond our disorganized troops there, and, stopping but a short time to re- 
form, made the charge as directed. But the fire of the enemy was too strong, 
and some other of our troops hurrying back through their lines, they were 
thrown into confusion and forced to retire. 

The same reasons which, in the opinion of your committee, can be urged in 
favor of the selection for the advance which General Burnside made in his .first 
plan, viz., his opportunity, from more intimate connexion with the troops of his 
corps, of judging correctly which division was best fitted for that purpose, can 
also be urged against the mode of selection resorted to by him when compelled 
by the order of his commanding general to select another division to lead the 
assault. It may have been that, from the same causes, each of the three di- 
visions of white troops had become, from the training of the previous forty days, 
unfitted for that duty. But the practice of leaving the selection of troops for an 
important undertaking to be determined by chance is one that does not com- 
mend itself to the judgment of your committee. It, however, is but just to 
General Burnside that the reasons which led him to resort to that mode of se- 
lection should be stated. His testimony is as follows : 

"These three commanders (Generals Potter, Wilcox, and Ledlie) of the white 
divisions were then informed of the change in the plan, and also that one of their 
divisions must lead the assault. Considerable conversation occurred as to the 
condition of the different divisions, I said to them, ' There is a reason why either 
General Wilcox's or General Potter's division should lead the assault, and that 
is that they are nearer to the point of assault, and it would require less time to 
get them into position for the work. But there is also a reason why General 
Ledlie's division should lead, which is that his men have not been in such close 
proximity to the enemy as those of the other two divisions, and in fact have not 
had to do quite as hard work for the last thirty or forty days.' Each of the 
division commanders, as well as every officer in the command, who had given 
his attention to the subject in the least degree, was fully aware of the condition 
of the white troops, as I had previously stated it to General Meade, and was 
firmly impressed with the conviction that the colored troops were in much better 
condition to lead the attack, and of the Avisdom of using the white troops as 
supports. There was no time to be lost, however, as the hour for springing the 
mine had been fixed'for half-past three o'clock the next morning, and it was now 
after noon. I finally decided that I would allow the leading division to be desig- 
nated by lot, which was done. General Ledlie drew the lot to lead the advance, . 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. \) 

and the necessary orders were given for the movement of his division to the 
point from which the attack was to be made." 

The order of attack as proposed by Gen. Burnside was also changed by direction 
of General Meade, with the approval of General Grant. Instead of moving down 
to the right and left of the crater of the mine for the purpose of driving the enemy 
from their lines m those directions, and thus removing to that extent the danger 
of flank attacks by the enemy upon our advancing^ columns. General Meade 
directed that the troops should push at once for the crest of Cemetery hill. 
General Burnside also contemplated co-operative movements by troops on the 
right and left of his corps. Orders were given to General Warren to make a 
movement from his position if he deemed it advisable, but he reported that the 
enemy were in too strong force, and no movement was made. On the right, 
occupied .by a portion of General Hancock's force, the same condition of things 
existed, and also a smaller force of our troops than were on the left. The 
enemy not being driven from their lines on either side of the mine, except for a 
short distance in consequence of the explosion of the mine, and the efforts of 
oiir troops to obtain shelter from the fire of the enemy, they organized attacking 
columns which finally succeeded in driving our forces from the position they had 
gained. 

It will be seen from the testimony that when the order to withdraw was given 
by General Meade, against the i-epresentations made by General Burnside, or- 
ders were also given by General Meade for offensive operations to cease on the 
right and left of General Burnside's position, and General Ord's troops were 
at the same time withdrawn from the position where they had been placed in 
support of the ninth corps. The enemy were thus left entirely free to make 
such dispositions as they chose against the force of General Burnside within 
their lines. General Burnside's testimony upon this point is as follows : 

"Upon the reception of the order to withdraw our troops from the enemy's lines, 
I went to General Meade's headquarters, and requested that the order might be 
rescinded, stating that I did not think we had fought long enough, and that I 
thought we could succeed in carrying the ci'est if we persevered in the attack, 
and the other troops were put in. He said that the order to withdraw was final, 
and that he had ordered all offensive operations on the right and left to cease. 
This order, I consider, materially affected the result of our withdrawal, inas- 
much as the enemy's forces upon our right and left were entirely unoccupied, and 
thereby had an opportunity of concentrating upon us during the withdrawal. It 
could hardly have been expected that the withdrawal could have been made 
without disaster after all offensive operations had ceased on the right and left, 
and the supporting force withdrawn from the rear. My only hope was that 
the force in the crater would be able to hold the position until a covered way 
could be dug from our advanced line out to the crater, a distance of a little over 
a hundred yards. This covered way had been commenced both in the crater, 
and on our advanced line, and I instructed General Ferrero to push it forward 
as rapidly as possible, with such of his troops as had been driven back and 
collected in the advanced line. The communication between the advanced line 
and the crater was almost entirely cut off ; and although the distance was so 
short, only about a bundred yards, it was next to an impossibility for messen- 
gers to reach the crater, much less to send in ammunition and water. The 
men had become very much exhausted with the heat and labors of the day. 

"After I was informed by General Meade that the order was final to with- 
draw, and that there was no object in holding the crater by connecting its flanks 
with our old advanced lines, as I had suggested, I telegraphed to General 
White, my chief of staff, whom I had left at my field headquarters, that the 
orders to withdraw were peremptory; and I at once sent for the division com- 
manders in order to consult as to the most favorable method and time for with- 



10 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

drawal. In the mean time my despatch to General White had been sent to th e 
division commanders, and by them sent in to the crater for report from the 
brigade commanders. Previous to and during this time the enemy made several 
assaults upon our position, which were repulsed. Soon after this a heavy at- 
tack was made upon the left of our forces, driving us back, and causing a hasty 
evacuation of the crater, by all who could get back to the main line." 

It will also be seen from the testimony that General Meade claims that his 
orders in relation to levelling the parapets and removing the abattis of our line, 
so as to afford a sufficient deboucJie for our assaulting forces, were not carried 
out so fully as they should have been. General Burnside claims that those orders 
were carried out as fully as he could do so, without affording the enemy an op- 
portunity to discover, prematurely, the movement in which he was engaged. As 
it appears, beyond all question, that more troops passed from our lines into 
those of the enemy than, under the circumstances, could be profitably managed 
or emploj^ed there, your committee do not regard that matter as having any 
important bearing upon the subject of their inquiry. 

Your committee would also call attention to the fact that General Grant at- 
tributes the disastrous result of that assault, to a greater or less extent, to the 
troops being sent in unaccompanied by any of the division commanders. How 
fiir the division commanders would have been able, by their presence, to over- 
come the confusion and disorganization into which the troops were thrown, from 
the causes lieretofore referred to, your committee are unable to say. None of 
the Yv'itnesses examined previous to General Grant made any reference to that 
fact. It was first brought to the notice of the committee near the close of their 
investigation, when they were unable to direct their attention to that particular 
point. They refer to it here, however, as the opinion of the highest officer in 
our service, and also because they deem everything relating to this most disas- 
trous affiiir worthy of consideration. 

Your committee desire to say that, in the statement of facts and conclusions 
which they present in their report, they wish to be distinctly understood as in 
no degree censuring the conduct of the troops engaged in this assault. While 
they confidently believe that the selection of the division of colored troops by 
General Burnside to lead the assault Avas, under the circumstances, the best that 
could have been made, they do not intend thereby to have it inferred that the 
white troops of the 9th corps are behind any troops in the service in those quali- 
ties which have placed our volunteer troops before the woild as equal, if not 
superior, to any known to modern warfare. The services performed by the 9th 
corps on many a well-fought battle-field, not only in this campaign but in others, 
have been such as to prove that they are second to none in the service. Your 
committee believe that any other troops exposed to the same influences, under the 
same circumstances, and for the same length of time, would have been similarly 
affected. No one, upon a careful consideration of all the circumstances, can be 
surprised that those influences should have produced the effects they did upon them. 

In conclusion they, your committee, must say that, in their opinion, the cause of 
the disastrous result of the assault of the 30th of July last is mainly attributable 
to the fact that the plans and suggestions of the general who had devoted his atten- 
tion for so long a time to the subject, who had carried out to a successful com- 
pletion the project of mining the enemy's works, and who had carefully selected 
and drilled his troops for the purpose of securing whatever advantages might be 
attainable from the explosion of the mine, should have been so entirely disre- 
garded by a general who had evinced no foith in the successful prosecution of 
that work, had aided it by no countenance or open approval, and had assumed 
the entire direction and control only when it was completed, and the time had 
come for reaping any advantages that might be derived from it. 

Respectfully submitted : 

B. F. WADE, Chairman. ■ 



TESTIMONY 



Washington, December 17, 1864. 

Major General A. E, Burnside sworn and examined. 
By the chairman : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army at the present time ? 

Answer. I am a major general of volunteers. At present I am waiting orders. 

Question. Were you in the army of th'e Potomac on 30th of July, 1864, at 
the time a mine was sprung before Petersburg ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I was in command of the 9th army corps, which made 
the assault on that occasion. 

Question. Will you please give us, in your own way, a statement of such 
facts in connexion with that attack as you may consider important ? 

Answer. In the attack upon the enemy's lines, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of 
June, the 9th corps gained an advanced position beyond a deep cut in the 
railroad, which was but a little more than a hundred yards from the enemy's 
lines. Just in rear of this advanced position was a deep hollow where work 
could be carried on, entirely out of the sight of the enemy. On the 26th of 
June I received a letter from General Potter, stating that he was of the 
opinion that a mine could be run from this hollow to a point under a battery of 
the enemy immediately opposite our position. I understood from him that the 
suggestion Avas first made by some of the non-commissioned officers and privates 
of the 48th Pennsylvania regiment, which was composed almost entirely of 
miners from Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. It was tlien communicated by 
the commanding officer of the regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Pleasants, to 
General Potter. 

I wrote to General Potter, requesting him to come to my headquarters with 
Colonel Pleasants, or to reduce his plan to writing. That evening he and 
Colonel Pleasants came to my headquarters, and the matter was fully talked 
over. I authorized them to commence the work, and stated that I would re- 
port what had passed between us to the commanding general of the army of 
the Potomac, and would inform them of the result ; that no harm could 
occur from beginning the work, as it could be suspended if it should not 
be approved. I did communicate the substance of this conversation 1o the 
commanding general of the army of the Potomac, and received from him his 
assent, rather than his approval of the work. Other conversations were had, 
Irom time to time, with General Meade on the subject. 

On the 3d day of July, General Meade sent me a letter requesting an opinion 
as to the probability of success of an attack upon the enemy from oui; front. 
That letter, and the correspondence resulting from it, are as follows : 

"Headquarters Army op the Potomac, 

" 12 m, July 3, 1864. 

" The lieutenant general commanding has inquired of me whether an assault 
on the enemy's works is practicable and feasible at any part of the line held 
by this army. In order to enable me to reply to this inquiry, I desire, at you 



12 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

earliest convenience, your views as to tlie practicability of an assault at any 
point in your front, to be made by the 2d and 6tli corps in conjunction with 
yours. 

" Eespectfully, 

"GEO. G. MEADE, 

" Major General. 
" Major General Burnside." 

"Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

"July 3, 1864. 
" I have delayed answering your despatch until I could get the opinion of 
my division commanders, and have another reconnoissance of the lines made 
by one of my staff. ]f my opinion is required as to whether now is the best 
time to make an assault, it being understood that if not made the siege is to 
continue, I should unhesitatingly say, wait until the mine is finished. 

" If the question is between making the assault now and a change of plan 
looking to operations in other quarters?! should unhesitatingly say, assault now. 
If the assault be delayed until the completion of the mine, I think vve should 
have a more than even chance of success. If the assault be made now, I think 
■we have a fair chance of success, provided my corps can make the attack, and 
it is left to me to say when and how the other two corps shall come in to my 
support. 

" I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"A. E. BURNSIDE, 
"Major General Commanding 9th Corj)s. 
" Major General Meade, 

" Commanding Army of the Potomac." 

It would seem that the language I employed in my letter was unfortunate, 
for it was entirely misunderstood, as will appear from the reply of General 
Meade, of the same date, as follows : 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

" July 3, 1864. 

"General: Your note by Major Lydig has been received. As you are of 
the opinion there is a reasonable degree of probability of success from an assault 
on your front, I shall so report to the lieutenant general commanding, and await 
his instructions. 

" The recent operations in your front, as you ai-e aware, though sanctioned 
by me, did not originate in any orders from these 'headquarters. Should it, 
however, be determined to employ the army under my command in offensive 
operations on your front, I shall exercise the prerogative of my position to con- 
trol and direct the same, receiving gladly at all times such suggestions as you 
may think proper to make. I consider these remarks necessary in consequence 
of certain conditions which you have thought proper to attach to your opinion, 
acceding to which in advance would not, in my judgment, be consistent with 
my position as commanding general of this army. I have accordingly directed 
Major Duane, chief engineer, and Brigadier General Hunt, chief of artillery, to 
make an examination of your lines, and to confer with you as to the operations to 
be carried on, the running of the mine now in progress, and the posting of ar- 
tillery. It is advisable as rriany guns as possible, bearing on the point to be 
assaulted, should be placed in position. 

"I agree with you in opinion that the assault should be deferred till the mine 
is completed, provided that can be done within a reasonably short period — say 
a week. Roads should be opened to the rear to facilitate the movements of the. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 13 

otlier corps sent to take part in the action, and all tlie preliminary arrangements 
possible should be made. Upon the reports of my engineer and artillery officers 
the necessary orders will be given. 
" Respectfully, yours, 

"GEO. G.MEADE, 
"Major General Commanding. 
"Major General Burnside, 

" Com?nanding 9tk Corj)s." 

The next day I replied as follows : 

"Headquarters 9th Army Corps, 

" Jul?/ 4, 1864. 

"General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
last evening, and am very sorry that I should have been so imfortunate in ex- 
pressing myself in my letter. It was written in haste, just after receiving the 
necessary data upon which to strengthen an opinion already pretty well formed. 
I assure you, in all candor, that I never dreamed of implying any lack of confidence 
in your ability to do all that is necessary in any grand movement which may 
be undertaken by your army. Were you to personally direct an attack from 
my front I would feel the utmost confidence ; and were I called upon to sup- 
port an attack from the front of the 2d or 6th corps, directed by yourself, or by 
either of the commanders of those corps, I would do it with confidence and 
cheerfulness. 

" It is hardly necessary for me to say that I have had the utmost faith in 
your ability to handle troops ever since my acquaintance with you in the army 
of the Potomac, and certainly accord to you a much higher position in the art 
of war than I possess ; and I, at the same time, entertain the greatest respect 
for the skill of the two gentlemen commanding the 2d and 6th corps ; so that my 
duty to my country, to you, and to myself, forbids that I should for a moment, 
assume to embarrass you, or them, by an assumption of position or authority. I 
simply desired to ask the privilege of calling upon them for support at such 
times, and at such points, as I thought advisable. I would gladly accord to 
either of them the same support, and would be glad to have either of them lead 
the attack ; but it would have been obviously -improper for me to have suggested 
that any other corps than my own should make the attack in my front. What 
I asked, in reference to calling upon the other corps for support, is only what I 
have been called upon to do, and have cheerfully done myself, in regard to other 
corps commanders. 

" If a copy of my letter has been forwarded to the general-in-chief, which I 
take for granted has been done, that he may possess my full opinion, it may 
make the same impression upon him as upon yourself, and I beg that you will 
correct it ; in fact, I beg that such impression may be, as far as possible, re- 
moved wherever it has made a lodgment. My desire is to support you, and 
in doing that I am serving the country. 

" With ordinary good fortune we can pretty safely promise to finish the 
mine in a week ; I hope in less time. 

" I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"A. E. BURNSIDE, 
" Major General, Co?nmanding 9tk Army Corps. 

"Major General Meade, 

" Commanding Army of (he Potomac.'" 



14 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUEG. 

To which letter General Meade replied as follows : 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

''July 4, 1864. 
" General : Your letter of this date is received. I am glad to find that there 
was no intention on your part to ask for any more authority and command than 
you have a perfect right to expect under existing circumstances. I did not 
infer from your letter that you had any want of confidence in me. I rather 
thought you were anticipating interference from others, and thought it best to 
reply as I did. 

" Your letter has not been shown to any one, nor forwarded to the general-in- 
chief, and my answer has only been seen by the confidential clerk who copied 
it. I am very grateful to you for your good opinion, as expressed, and shall 
earnestly try to merit its continuance. In the trying position I am placed in, 
hardly to be appreciated by any one not in my place, it is my great desire to be 
on terms of harmony and good feeling with all, superiors and subordinates ; 
and I try to adjust the little jars that will always exist in large bodies to the 
satisfaction of each one. I have no doubt, by frankness and full explanations, 
such as have now taken place between us, all misapprehensions will be removed. 
You may rest assured, all the respect due to your rank and position will be 
paid you while under my command. 
" Truly yours, 

"GEORGE G. MEADE, 

''Major General^ 

This correspondence is presented for the purpose of showing the views of 
General Meade in reference to putting into action the support on the flanks and 
in the rear, and also to show that I had no authority whatever to order in any 
of the supports. 

Nothing of importance occurred in reference to the contemplated attack for 
several days after this correspondence took place. I had frequent conversations 
with General Meade in reference to the condition of the command, its position 
on the line, &c. 

The 4th division of the ninth corps, under command of General Ferrero, com- 
posed entirely of colored troops, had been detached, at the beginning of the cam- 
paign, from my immediate command, and had received orders directly from 
General Grant's and General Meade's headquarters, up to the crossing of the 
James river. 

During the month of July it was at intervals under my command, and I had 
made up my mind, in case an assault was to be made by the 9th corps, to put 
this division in the advance. I had so informed General Ferrero, and, at my 
suggestion, he submitted to me an opinion as to the formation which would be 
the most effective in passing over the ground in our front; which formation, 
after some consideration, I approved, and directed him to drill his troops with 
a view of making the attack in that way. 

This first conversation must have been some three weeks before the attack 
was made, on the 30th of July. 

The work on the mine was prosecuted with as much rapidity as possible, 
but it took a longer time to complete it than was at first supposed. Many ob- 
stacles were encountered, all of which, however, were finally overcome. There 
was, besides these natural obstacles, a considerable degree of personal dis- 
couragement during the prosecution of the work. Prominent ofiicers expressed 
their fears that a mine of that length could not be successfully run, and par- 
ticularly by the plan which Colonel Pleasants had adopted, that of simply rely- 
ing upon the tenacity of the earth to keep the gallery intact, instead of putting 
up continuous supports along its whole length. His plan, however, succeeded, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 15 

and the mine was finished not far from the 20th of July. I have not the means 
in my possession at this time of determining the exact date of its completion. 

"When completed, the ftict was reported to General Meade, after which con- 
siderable discussion took place in reference to the cliarge that was necessary to 
explode the mine. In my opinion it should have been a charge of 12,000 
pounds of powder, and I so expressed myself. It was finally decided that the 
charge should be 8,000 pounds. I do not mention this as anything material, 
but it happens to be a fact. 

The enemy's works were blown up with the 8,000 pounds, bixt the declivity 
of the crater would not have been so great had it been done with 12,000. 

On the 26th of July, I think. General Meade called upon me, through his 
chief of staff, for a detailed statement of my plan of attack from my front. I 
sent him the following communication : 

" Headquarters 9th Army Corps, 

"Jw^y 26, 1864. 

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your notes of this morning 
by Captains Jay and Bache; also a telegram from the commanding general, 
relating to the same subject. 

" It is altogether probable that the enemy are cognizant of the fact that we are 
mining, because it is mentioned in their papers, and they have been heard at 
work on what are supposed to be shafts in close proximity to our galleries. 

" But the rain of night before last has no doubt much retarded their work. We 
have heard no sound of Avorkmen in them either yesterday or to day, and nothing 
is heard by us in the mine but the ordinary sounds of work on the surfiice above. 
This morning we had some apprehension that the left lateral gallery was in 
danger of caving in from the weight of the batteries above it, and the shock of 
their firing. But all possible precautions have been taken to strengthen it, and 
we hope to preserve it intact. 

" The placing of the charges in the mine will not involve the necessity of 
making a noise. It is therefore probable that we will escape discovery if the 
mine is to be used within two or three days. It is nevertheless highly import- 
ant, in my opinion, that the mine should be exploded at the earliest possible 
moment consistent with the general interests of the campaign. I state to you 
the facts as nearly as I can, and, in the absence of any knowledge as to the 
meditated movements of the army, I must leave you to judge of the proper 
time to make use of the mine. But it may not be improper for me to say that 
the advantages reaped from the work would be but small if it were exploded 
without any co-operative movement. 

" My plan would be to explode the mine just before daylight in the morning, or 
at about five o'clock in the afternoon ; mass the two brigades of the colored divi- 
sion in rear of my first line in columns of divison * double columns closed in 
mass,' 'the head of each brigade resting on the front line,' and, as soon as the 
explosion has taken place, move them forward with instructions for the division 
to take half distance, and as soon as the leading regiments of the two brigades 
pass through the gap in the enemy's line, the leading regiment of the right brig- 
ade to come into line perpendicular to the enemy's line by the 'right companies 
on the right into line, wheel,' the 'left companies on the right into line,' and 
proceed at once down the line of the enemy's works as rapidly as possible ; and 
the leading regiment of the left brigade to execute the reverse movement to the 
left, moving up the enemy's line. The remainder of the columns to move directly 
towards the crest in front as rapidly as possible, diverging in such a way as to 
enable them to deploy into columns of I'egiment, the right column making as nearly 
as possible for Cemetery hill. These columns to be followed by the other divi- 
sions of the other corps as soon as they can be thrown in. 

"This would involve the necessity of relieving these divisions by other troops 



16 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



before tlae movement, and of holding columns of other troops in readiness to 
take our place on the crest in case we gain it, and sweep down it. It would, in 
my opinion, be advisable, if we succeed in gaining the crest, to throw the colored 
division right into the town. There is a necessity for the co-operation, at least 
in the way of artillery, by the troops on our right and left. Of the extent of this 
you will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of success in a plan of 
this kind are more than even. 

" The main gallery of the mine is 522 feet in length ; the side galleries about 
forty feet each. My suggestion is that eight magazines be placed in the lateral 
galleries, two at each end, say a few feet apart in branches at right angles to 
the side gallery, and two more in each of the side galleries, similarly placed by 
pairs situated equi-distant from each other and the end of the galleries, thus : 




tamp, beginning at the termination of the main gallery, say one hundred feet, 
leaving all the air space in the side galleries. Run out some five or six fuses, 
and two wires, to render the ignition of the charge certain. 

" I propose to put in each of the eight magazines from 1,200 to 1,400 pounds 
of powder, the magazines to be connected by a trough of powder, instead of a 
fuse. 

" I beg to enclose a copy of a statement from General Potter on the subject. 

" I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a woods near our am- 
munition train, about a mile in rear of this place. Lieutenant Colonel Pierce, 
chief quartermaster, will furnish Captain Strang with a guide to the place. I 
beg also to request that General Benham be instructed to send us at once eight 
thousand sand-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes. 

"A. E. BURNSIDE, 

"Major General. 

" Major General Humphreys, 

"Chief of Staf." 

On Thursday, the 28th, when I called upon General Meade, at his headquar- 
ters, he informed me that that portion of my plan which contemplated putting 
the colored troops in the advance did not meet with his approval ; and also, that 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERBURG. 17 

he did not approve of the foi-mation proposed, because he was satisfied that we 
would not be able, in the face of the enemy, to make the movements which I 
contemplated, to the right and left; and that he was of the opinion that the 
troops should move directly to the crest without attempting these side move- 
ments. 

A long conversation ensued, in which I pointed out to General Meade the 
condition of the three white divisions, and urged upon him the importance, in 
my opinion, of placing the colored division in the advance, because I thought 
it would make a better charge at that time than either of the white divisions, 
I reminded him of the fact that the three white divisions had for forty days been 
in the trenches in the immediate presence of the enemy, and at no point of the 
line could a man raise his head above the parapet without being fired at by the 
enemy. That they had been in the habit, during the whole of that time, of ap- 
proaching the main line by covered Avays, and using every possible means of 
protecting themselves from the fire of the enemy. That their losses bad been 
continuous during that time, amounting to from thirty to sixty men daily. That 
the men had had no opportunity of cooking upun the main line — everything 
having been cooked in the rear, and carried up to them. That they had had 
very few, if any, opportunities of washing; and that in my opinion they Avere 
not in condition to make a vigorous charge. I also stated that I was fortified 
in this opinion, which had been formed from personal observation, by the report 
of my inspector general, who had taken occasion to look at the troops with a 
view to making up his mind as to their efiectiveness for a work of that kind. 

General Meade still insisted that the black troops should not lead ; that the 
could not trust them, because they were untried, and probably gave other reasons 
which do not occur to me at this moment. But he said that, inasmuch as I was 
so urgent in the matter, he would refer it to General Grant, whom he expected 
to visit that afternoon, and his decision of course would be final. I said to him 
that I would cheerfully abide by any decision that either one of them would 
make, but I must still urge upon him that I thought it of the utmost importance 
that the colored troops should lead. 

General Meade did go to see General Grant that day, and I think returned 
the same afternoon, but I did not hear from him. During the next forenoon, 
Friday, General Willcox and General Potter, commanding two of my white 
divisions, came to my headquarters to talk over the attack which it was under- 
stood would be made the next morning. I told ihera I had been very much 
exercised the day before lest that portion of my plan which contemplated putting 
the colored division in advance should be changed by General Meade, but that 
I was pretty well satisfied he had given it up, because I had heard nothing 
further from him about it. 

While in the midst of this conversation, or very soon after, General Meade 
came to my headquarters, and there told me that General Grant agreed with him 
as to the disposition of the troops, and that I would not be allowed to put the 
colored division in the advance. I asked him if that decision could not be 
reconsidered ; he replied, " No, general, the order is final ; you must detail one of 
your white divisions to take the advance." I said, "Very well, general, I will 
carry out this plan to the best of my ability." 

I at once sent for my other division commander. General Ledlie. These three 
commanders of the white divisions were then informed of the changes in the 
plan, and also that one of their divisions must lead the assault. Considerable 
conversation occurred as to the condition of the difi'erent divisions ; 1 said to 
them, " There is a reason why either General Willcox's or General Potter's division 
should lead the assault, and that is, that they are nearer to the point of assault, 
and it would require less time to get them into position for the work. But there 
is also a reason why General Ledlie's division should lead, which is, that his men 
have not been in such close proximity to the enemy as those of the other two 
E"p. No. 114 2 



18 '■ EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

divisions, and in fact have not had to do quite as hard work for the last thirty 
or forty days." Each of the division commanders, as well as every officer in the 
command, who had given his attention to the subject in the least degree, was 
fully aware of the condition of the white troops, as 1 had previously stated it to 
General Meade, and were firmly impressed with the conviction that the colored 
troops were in much better condition to lead the attack, and of the wisdom of using 
the white troops as supports. There was no time to be lost, however, as the 
hour for springing the mine had been fixed for half-past three o'clock the next morn- 
ing, and it was now afternoon. I finally decided that I would allow the leading 
division to be designated by lot, which was done ; General Ledlie drew the lot 
to lead the advance, and the necessary orders were given for the movement of 
his division to the point from which the attack was to be made. 

General Ferrero, who commanded the colored division, had, with his officers, 
already examined the ground upon which he was to form, and had made a 
reconnoissance of the ground over which he was to pass at the time he expected 
to lead the attack. I sent General Ledlie with his brigade officers to make simi- 
lar reconnoissances, which they did. At about four o'clock in the afternoon they 
reported to me that the examination had been made, and they only waited for 
darkness, and troops to relieve them, in order to get the division in position for 
the attack. 

General Meade issued his battle order, a copy of which I have not with me, 
but which can no doubt be obtained very easily by the committee, either from 
the headquarters of the army of the Potomac or from the Adjutant Genei-al's 
office. 

General Ord was to send troops to relieve my troops from their position on the 
line, in order that we might make the concentration for the assault. Much delay 
occurred that night in making these changes, in consequence of the difficulty of 
moving large bodies of troops at night, and from the fact that the officers of 
General Ord's command were not acquainted with the positions of our different 
divisions, although they had by personal reconnoissance informed themselves as 
well as possible, with the short notice they had. 

The mine was charged as was designated by the plan, except in amount of 
powder. The fuse material was not furnished in sufficient quantity to run three 
or four separate fuses, as was contemplated by the plan. In fact, we ha'd but 
material enough to run one line of fuse, and that material came to us in small 
pieces of from ten to fifteen feet in length, and had to be spliced before it was laid. 

The troops were in position in time for the assault. I issued orders to govern 
the difierent division commanders in the attack, and also sent them copies of the 
battle order of General Meade. One of the directions in the order of General 
Meade was " to level the breastworks and to remove the abattis before the explo- 
sion, so the troops could pass quickly to the front." This part of the order was 
necessarily inoperative, because of lack of time and the close proximity to the 
enemy, the latter of which rendered it impossible to remove the abattis from the 
front of our line without attracting, not only a heavy fire of the enemy, but also 
his attention to that point, and letting him know exactly what we were doing. 
But as far as was possible that portion of the order was carried out. It was 
afterwards found that the abattis which had to be removed when our troops did 
advance did not delay them more than five minutes. 

General Meade made his headquarters for the day at my permanent head- 
quarters, and I moved mine to what is called the " fourteen-gun battery," now 
known as Fort Morton, on the crest, just in rear of our main line some forty or 
fifty yards. A telegraph was run to my new headquarters from my old head- 
quarters, where General Meade was stationed. 

Directions were given to fire the mine at the time designated by Genei-al 
Meade. There was considerable delay in the explosion, which caused great 
uneasiness to all of us. General Meade sent several despatches to me during 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 19 

this delay to know the cause of it. I could give him no information on the 
subject, was quite as anxious about the delay as he was, and sent staff" ofBcers 
to ascertain the cause of it. I am of the opinion that to some of the messages 
which General Meade sent me during that time no answers were returned, 
because no satisfactory answers could be given. 

It will be readily understood that the cause of the delay was not easy to be 
ascertained, because the fuse had been lighted, and a man going into the gallery 
to ascertain whether or not it was still burning would, in case of explosion, 
necessarily lose his life. 

However, a commissioned and a non-commissioned officer of the 48th Penn- 
sylvania regiment volunteered to go into the gallery. They ascertained that 
the fuse had died out about a hundred feet from the mouth of the main gallery. 
This was a thing that would not have occurred had we had material enough to 
have laid four or five fuses ; and I do not think it would have occurred had the 
fuse been continuous, or in but two or three pieces, instead of being, as it was, 
in so many pieces. It died out at one of the points of contact, where two of the 
pieces had been spliced together, either by the failure to put in powder, or by 
the powder becoming damp, or for some other reason which I do not myself 
know. 

The fuse was relighted by those men, and Colonel Pleasants, who was in 
charge of the mine, informed me that the explosion would take place in eleven 
minutes from the time the information was given to Major Van Buren, my aide- 
de-camp. I immediately directed the major to give the information to General 
Meade's aid. Captain Jay, but I suppose before it reached him (General 
Meade) the mine exploded. 

The leading division moved forward, passed over our own lines, and passed 
into the crater which was made by the explosion of the mine. 

I will here submit a copy of the report which I made to General Meade of 
the operations of the 30 ih of July, as it will probably give a more accurate 
statement of what occurred on that day than I can now give from memory. 
The report is as follows : 

" Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

Before Petersburg, Va.j August 13, 1864. 

" General : I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations 
of this corps in the engagement of July 30th last. 

" It will be necessary to advert to the preliminary operation of running a mine 
under the enemy's works. This project was proposed by Lieutenant Colonel 
Henry Pleasants, of the 48th Pennsylvania volunteers, to General Potter, who 
submitted the proposal to me soon after our sitting down before that place. It 
met my hearty consent and support. It was commenced June 25th, (twenty- 
fifth,) prosecuted with great zeal through a difficult soil, sometimes of the nature 
of quicksand, at others a heavy marl, and with no tools but the ordinary in- 
trenching spade and pick. The main gallery was finished July 17th, 522 feet 
in length. It was then found that the enemy were at work in immediate prox- 
imity, and its further prosecution was conducted with great caution. Lateral 
galleries 37-38 feet in length, running under and nearly parallel to the enemy's 
works, were completed July 23d, and the mine was ready for the charge. 
This, by order from the general commanding, was put in on the 27th. It con- 
sisted of about 8,000 pounds of powder. Great praise is due to Colonel Pleasants 
and the officers and men of his regiment for the patient labor cheerfully 
bestowed on a work which deserved and met complete success. 

" On the 26th of July, at the request of the commanding general, I submitted 
a plan of assault, which contemplated the placing of the colored division of this 
corps in the advance, that division not being wearied by long and arduous duties 



20 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

in tlie trenches, as were the other divisions. A certain formation of troops was 
also suggested. This plan was not adopted as to these two points, and the 
troops were put in in accordance with the orders of the commanding general. 

" I received orders from the general commanding to spring the mine at 3.30 
a. m. The troops were in position at that hour, massed behind the portion of our 
line nearest the point to be reached. The fuse, however, failed to ignite at a 
point where it had been spliced, and delay occurred. It was reignited, and the 
mine sprung at 4.45 a. m. Immediately the leading brigade of the first division, 
(the 8d,) under Colonel Marshall, started for the charge. There was a delay 
of perhaps five minutes in removing the abattis. Clearing that, the brigade 
advanced rapidly to the fort that had been mined, now a crater of large prc^por- 
tions, and an obstacle of great formidableness. Mounting a crest at least 12 
feet above the level of the ground, our men found before them a huge aperture 
of 150 feet in length by 60 in width, and 25 to 30 in depth, the sides of loose 
pulverized sand, piled up precipitately, from which projected huge blocks of 
clay. • To cross such an obstacle and preserve regimental organization was a 
sheer impossibility. The lines of the enemy on either side were not single, but 
involuted and complex, filled with pits, traverses, and bomb-proofs, forming a 
labyrinth as difiicult of passage as the crater itself. 

" After the training of the previous six weeks, it is not to be wondered at that 
the men should have sought shelter in these defences. Their regimental organi- 
zations were broken, and the officers undertook to reform before advancing. 
One regiment, the 2d Pennsylvania heavy artillery, advanced some 100 yards 
beyond the crater, but not supported, fell back. 

" It is reported that the enemy on n)y left opposite the 5th corps, on the ex- 
plosion of the mine, left their Hues and ran to the rear. But few shots were 
fired from that direction on the head of my column. 

"An infantry fire was opened at once from the enemy's line up to within two 
hundred feet of the crater; and as soon as the guns could be brought to bear, 
artillery was opened upon our columns from across the ravine on our immediate 
right, and from several works at a distance in front of the extreme right of the 
old line of the 9th corps. 

"The 1st brigade of the 1st division immediately followed the 2d. The two 
filled the crater, seized part of the line of pits to the right, and began to cover 
themselves from the fire of the enemy's artillery, now opening from the crest in 
their immediate front. 

"Before all of the regiments of the last brigade of the 1st division had left our 
line, at about 5 a. m., the 2d division commenced its advance on the right, the 
2d brigade, General Grifiin, leading. The distance to be traversed to reach the 
line of rebel works was 130 yards. The head of the column was somewhat 
deflected by the enemy's fire, and borne to the left, so that it struck the line 
near the crater, and the men of the two divisions became, in some degree, inter- 
mingled. 

" Several attempts were made to advance, which resulted only in the gain of 
a little ground to the right. General Willcox had, meanwhile, thrown in part of 
a brigade to the left of the crater, the remainder halting till the 1st division 
should advance. Part of the 2d brigade, Colonel Bliss, (2d division,) was also 
thrown forward into the enemy's line. The other regiments were held until the 
line should be partially cleared. 

"At about 6.30 a. m. orders were again sent to the division commander not 
to halt at the works, but to advance at once to the crest, without waiting for 
mutual support. 

"General Potter's division (the 2d) was at that time forming for an attack 
on the right, but under these orders its direction was changed to the front. Its 
formation in front of the lines was exceedingly difiicult, owing to the heavy fire 
from the crest and from the troops the enemy had now brought up and placed 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 21 

behind the covered way in the ravine. The division charged and almost reached 
the summit of the hill, but laii supported, it fell back, taking shelter behind 
another covered way on the right. 

" Meanwhile, the few regiments of that division that had not previously left our 
lines advanced, seizing for a considerable distance the enemy's lines on the right. 

" General Willcox, on the left, found an advance impossible; his men dug 
from the mine two guns and held the left flank. 

" Peremptory orders from the commanding general directed me to throw in 
all m}'- troops and direct them against the crest. Under these orders I directed 
the 4th (colored) division to advance, which division I had hitherto held back, 
under the belief that those new troops could not be used to advantage in the 
crowded condition of the poition of the enemy's line held by us. 

"The column was thrown forward and advanced gallantly over the slope of 
the crater, though by this time the ground was swept by a steady fire of artil- 
lery and infantry. A part of the column was deflected to the right and charged 
and captured a portion of the enemy's line with a stand of colors and some pris- 
oners. The division, disorganized by passing the pit, crowded with men of the 
other divisions, then reformed as well as was possible beyond the crater, and at- 
tempted to take the hill ; were met at the outset by a counter charge of the 
enemy, broke in disorder to the rear, passed through the crater and lines on the 
right, thawing into confusion and drawing oflf with them many of the white 
troops, and ran to our own lines. The enemy regained a portion of his line on 
the right. This was about 8.45 a. m. 

" But not all of the colored troops retired; some held the pits behind which 
they had advanced, severely checking the enemy till they were nearly all killed, 

" I believe that no raw troops could have been expected to have behaved better. 
Before reaching the point from which they had formed to charge, they had been 
shattered by the enemy's fire, broken by the exceedingly difficult passage of the 
enemy's lines, and disheartened by the inability of the other divisions to advance. 

" At the time of the assault of the 4th division, General Willcox threw out 
his 2d brigade. Colonel Humphreys, and took an additional portion of the line 
on the left. 

"Soon after the repulse, an assault from the front was made on the crater; it 
was gallantly repulsed with great loss to the enemy, none of them advancing to 
our line except those who surrendered themselves. 

" At this time the enemy had planted artillery at several points on the hill, and 
had gained the range of the crater and lines with great accuracy, his mortar fir- 
ing being especially destructive. 

" At 9.15 a. m. I received with regret a peremptory order from the general com- 
manding to withdraw my troops from the enemy's line. The order was sent 
into the crater at 12.20 p. m. with instructions to brigade commanders on the 
spot to consult and determine the hour and manner of retiring. I directed 
General Ferrero to immediately commence a covered way to the crater, to meet 
one already begun from there. 

" The men in the crater and lines adjoining had become exhausted with the 
severity of the day's work. They had made several and repulsed three distinct 
assaults, and had fought hand to hand with the enemy for the possession of his 
pits. They were suffering severely under a hot sun from want of water. 

" Finding that their position was not to be held, the generals determined, in 
order to save further loss of life, upon an evacuation of the lines. A message 
to that effect, requesting a heavy fire of infantry and artillery to right and left 
should be opened from the old lines, to distract the attention of the enemy, was 
on its way to me when another assault of the enemy was made. Seeing its 
preparation, and knowing their men to be discouraged by the proposed 
relinquishment of all the advantages gained at such cost, and disheartened that 
they were to expect no further support, Generals Hartrauft and Griffiu directed 



22 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

their troops to withdraw. It is feared the order was not clearly understood in 
the crater, as most of the troops, and all of the wounded then lying there in 
great numbers, were captured. 

" During the engagement the batteries of the corps did efficient service, 
especially in keeping down the fire of the rebel fort on the left and in annoy- 
ance of the enemy's guns on the right. Twenty-three commanders of regiments 
were lost on that day, four killed, fifteen wounded, and four missing ; two com- 
manders of brigades — General W. F. Bartlett and Colonel E. G. Marshall — were 
taken prisoners. 

" In a report so hurriedly made up, it will be impossible for me to mention the 
many acts of heroism which characterized the action ; and I will only say that 
my entire command, ofiicers and men, did all that gallant men could do under 
the circumstances. 

"To my staff — Brigadier General Julius "White, chief of staff; Lieutentant 
Colonel Lewis Richmond, assistant adjutant general ; Lieutenant Colonel C. G. 
Loring, jr., assistant inspector general ; Surgeon John E. McDonald, medical 
director; Surgeon James Harris, medical inspector; Major Edward M. Neill, 
assistant adjutant general; Major Philip M. Lydig, assistant adjutant general; 
Major J. L. Van Buren, aide-de-camp; Major William Cutting, aide-de-camp ; 
Captain W. H. Harris, U. S. A., chief of ordnance ; Captain H. A. Eathbone, 
commissary of musters ; Captain Duncan A. Pell, aide-de camp ; Capiain J. C. 
Paine, signal officer; Lieutenant D. S. Remmington, acting assistant quarter- 
master — I must express my thanks for their activity and gallantry during the 
action. 

" Colonel Loring, Major Cutting, and Major Van Buren were detailed to 
accompany divisions, and discharged their duties in the most faithful and gallant 
manner. 

" I must again express my thanks to Colonel Pleasants and the men of his 
regiment for their skilful and meritorious services. 

" I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"A. E. BUENSIDE, 
"Major General, Commanding." 

"Brig. Gen. S. Williams, 

'^ Ass't A(fft General Army of Ike Potomac." 

Question. How long after the explosion of the mine before your troops 
advanced to the first assault 1 

Answer. There was, probably, a delay of five minutes in removing the 
abattis, but no other delay occurred. They commenced the movement forward 
to the assault at once. 

Question. Could you tell whether, on the explosion of the mine, the enemy 
abandoned any of their intrenchments to the rear of it ? 

Answer. There was no formidable line in rear of that one held by them at 
that time. 

Question. What was the first effect of the explosion on the enemy, as far as 
you could see ? 

Answer. As was stated in my report, it was understood that a considerable 
portion, if not all of the enemy in their line in front of the fifth corps, abandoned 
their line temporarily. 

Question. Did you deem it very essential that the troops who were to lead 
the advance should be trained for it somewhat before the springing of the mine ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I deemed that essential. It is always better that officers 
commanding troops should know the work they have to do ; and if the men can be 
drilled with a view to a specific work, they can always do that work better. I felt 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 23 

at tlie time that my reasons for putting in the colored troops first were good, and 
I have had no cause to change that opinion. Although it is necessarily a matter 
of opinion, and no one can ever tell what the result would have been had my 
plan been strictly adhered to, still I am clearly of the opinion that the colored 
troops would have made a better chargQ on that day than almost any other 
division of the army, in consequence of the peculiar circumstances by which 
the army had been surrounded. They had been fighting and marching up to 
the time that they crossed the James river, and my corps particularly had been 
constantly under fire, after crossing the James, for forty days, so that a man 
could not raise his head above the breastworks without being shot at. 

Question. And they were compelled to lie very much quiescent during that 
time? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; they had very little exercise, and that little in this con- 
stant state of suspense caused by the continuous musketry and artillery fire of 
the enemy. 

Question. From your experience with colored troops, how would you say 
they compai'ed in reliability as soldiers with the white troops, provided they 
have had the same training? 

Answer. So far as I am myself concerned, I have the greatest faith in colored 
soldiers. I do not say they are fully equal to our white soldiers, because they 
have not the same intelligence ; but they are quite as easily disciplined, and, as 
far as my experience goes, they stand fire quite as well as any troops we have 
had. And, with the exception of the intelligence which prevails to a con- 
siderable extent among our white soldiers, and which makes each man a pretty 
good judge of what he ought to do in a fight, I think the colored soldiers are as 
good soldiers as we have. 

Question. To what do you attribute the failure of the 30th of July ? The 
enterprise did fViil, and I suppose you have some idea why it failed. 

Answer. Well, sir, it is my opinion that the change that was made the day 
before the battle in the troops which were to lead the advance, and the direc- 
tions which were given modifying the mode of putting the troops in, had a very 
serious effect upon the result. But I am not prepared to say that it would not 
have been a success even with those changes, had our troops on the right and 
left of the point assaulted attacked the enemy, and taken advantage of the 
weak condition of their lines. This is simply an opinion, given without refer- 
ence to the action of the generals who commanded those troops, because I know 
nothing of their orders ; and my opinion may be entirely erroneous. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. Was your assault sustained by the second corps on your right, or 
the fifth corps on your left ? 

Answer. No, sir, not to my knowledge. I do not think they attempted an 
attack. The 18th corps, under General Ord, had relieved my troops on that 
line, and a portion of that corps was held in reserve to assist us, and a brigade, 
or possibly a division, did make an attempt to charge the enemy's works. 

By the chairman : 

Question. In your judgment, was the failure of the fuse to ignite the mine on 
the first attempt attended with any disasti'ous effects ? 

Answer. I think not. I do not think the delay in the explosion of the mine 
resulted in giving the enemy any information of our movements. Therefore I 
do not think it resulted in any harm. 

Question. Who is responsible for the deficiency in the supply of fuses neces- 
sary to explode the mine ? 

Answer. I was directed to make my requisitions for fuse and powder upon the 
chief of artillery. I did so at the proper time. A despatch from one of his 



24 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

assistants came to me inquiring how much I desired, and I informed him of the 
distinct number of feet. 1 think, at any rate, I stated to him in substance that I 
wanted enough to run three or four fuses in to the charge. 

Question. Of course you were compelled to make use of such as he sent you? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. And the quantity supplied was sufficient for only one fuse ? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By the chairman : 

Question. Did you have any interviews with General Meade during the battle 
or afterwards on that day 1 If so, what took place during those interviews ? 

Answer. I had but one personal interview with General Meade that day, and 
that was after the battle. Upon the reception of the order to withdraw our 
troops from the enemy's lines, I went to General Meade's headquarters and re- 
quested that the order might be rescinded, stating that I did not think we 
had fought long enough, and that I thought we could succeed in carrying 
the crest if we persevered in the attack, and the other troops were put in. 
He said that the order to withdraw was final, and that he had ordered all 
offensive operations on the right and left to cease. This order, I consider, 
materially aff"ected the result of our withdrawal, inasmuch as the enemy's 
forces upon our right and left were entirely unoccupied, and thereby hud 
an opportunity of concentrating upon us during the withdrawal. It could 
hardly have been expected that the withdrawal could have been made without 
disaster, after all offensive operations had ceased on the right and left and the 
supporting force withdrawn from the rear. My only hope was that the force in 
the crater would be able to hold the position until a covered way could be dug 
from aur advanced line out to the crater, a distance of a little over a hundred 
yards. This covered way had been commenced both in the crater and on our 
advanced lines, and I instructed General Ferrero to push it forward as rapidly 
as possible, with such of his troops as had been driven back, and collected 
in the advanced line. The communication between the advanced line and the 
crater was almost entirely cut off, and although the distance was so short — only 
about one hundred yards — it was next to an impossibility for messengers to reach 
the crater, much less to send in ammunition and water. The men had become 
very much exhausted with the heat and labors of the day. 

After I was informed by General Meade that the order was final to withdraw, 
and that there was no object in holding the crater by connecting its flanks with 
our old advanced line, as 1 had suggested, I telegraphed to General White, my 
chief of staff, whom I had left at my field headquarters, that the orders to with- 
draw were peremptory, and I at once sent for the division commanders, in order 
to consult as to the most favorable method and time for withdrawal. In the 
mean time, my despatch to General White had been sent to the division com 
manders, and by them sent into the crater for report from the brigade com- 
manders. Previous to and during this time the enemy made several assaults 
upon our position, which were repulsed. Soon after this a heavy attack was 
made upon the left of our forces, driving us back, and causing a hasty evacua- 
tion of the crater by all who could get back to the main lines. 

In the evening of that day General Meade sent me a message stating that he 
had understood that our troops had been driven from the crater, and he desired 
to know if such was the fact. 1 very improperly threw the message one side, 
and said to my staff officer, who was with me, that I would not answer such a 
message; that if General Meade felt disposed to cease offensive operations on 
the right and left, and leave us to get out of the crater as best we could, and 
had taken so little interest in the matter as not to know late in the evening that 
we had been driven from the crater before two o'clock, I certainly would not 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 25 

give him the information, and that I believed he knew all about it. He sent 
me, I think, two more messages during the evening, which I treated in the same 
way. 

I refer to this as a piece of insubordination on my part for which no excuse 
can be offered ; but it had no effect upon the result, as it occurred after the fight. 

An unfortunate correspondence took place between General Meade and my- 
self, during the day, which reads as follows : 

July 30. 
General Meade : 

I am doing all in my power to push the troops forward, and, if possible, we 
will carry the crest. It is hard work, but we hope to accomplish it. I am fully 
alive to the importance of it. 

A. E. BURN SIDE, 3Iajor General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

7.30 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

What do you mean by hard work to take the crest 1 I understand not a 
man has advanced beyond the enemy's line which you occupied immediately 
after exploding the mine. 

Do you mean to say your officers and men Avill not obey your orders to ad- 
vance ? If not, what is the obstacle 1 I wish to know the truth, and desire aa 
immediate answer. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

Headquar ters Ninth Army Corps, 

Battery Morton, July 30, 1864. 
General Meade: 

Your despatch, by Captain Jay, received. The main body of General Pot- 
ter's division is beyond the crater. I do not mean to say that my officers 
and men will not obey my orders to advance. I mean to say that it is very 
hard work to advance to the crest. 

I have never, in any report, said anything different from Avhat I conceived to 
be the truth. Were it not insubordinate, I would say that the latter remark of 
your note was unofficerlike and ungentlemanly. 
Respectfully yours, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Mayor General. 

I refer to this correspondence because it has been made the subject of charges 
against me upon which I was not tried. I felt, at the time I wrote the offen- 
sive despatch, that General Meade intended to imply that I had not made truth- 
ful reports, but I am now satisfied that he did not so intend. 

General Meade ordered a court to investigate the operations of the 30th. 
This court w^as composed of General Hancock, who commanded the troops on 
my right, General Ayres, who commanded a division of troops on my left, 
(which division was selected for the purpose of making an attack from our left, 
but did not attack,) and General Miles, who commanded a brigade in General 
Hancock's corps, which was on my right. The judge advocate of the court 
was the inspector general at General Meade's headquarters. 

I at once telegraphed to Mr. Stanton, as follows : 



26 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Headquarters 9th Armv Corps, 

Avgust 6, 1864. 
To the Secretary of War of the United States, Washington : 

Whilst I have the greatest respect for the officers composing the court ordered 
by Special Order W. D. No. 258, to examine into the affair of the 30th instant, 
I beg to submit that it should be composed of officers who do not belong to this 
ai'uiy . 

Whilst I am most willing, and feel it to be my due to have the fullest inves- 
tigation, I should not, under the circumstances, demand one, nor seek to press 
the matter to an issue in any degree adverse to the general commanding the 
army of the Potomac. I am ready to await the verdict of time. But if an in- 
vestigation is to be had, I feel that I have a right to ask that it be made by 
officers not in this army, and not selected by General Meade. All of the offi- 
cers constituting the court held command in the supporting columns which were 
not brought into action on that day. The judge advocate is a member of Gen- 
eral Meade's staff. 

General Meade lias also preferred charges against me, upon which I desire 
to be tried. 

As the court convenes on Monday, the 8th instant, I respectfully request an 
answer may be returned as soon as possible. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

To this telegram I received the following reply : 

"UNITKD STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH. 

["By telegraph from Washington, dated August 8, 1864 — 11 a. m.] 

" Major General Burnside : 

"Your telegram of the sixth (6th) has been laid before the President, who 
directs me to say, that, while he would like to conform to your wishes, the detail 
for the court of inquiry having already been ordered, he does not see that any evil 
can result to you. The action of the board of inquiry will be merely to collect 
facts for his information. No charges or even imputations have reached him or 
the department in respect to you. It is not known here, except by your telegram, 
that General Meade has made against you any charges. He directs me further 
to assure you that you may feel entire confidence in his fairness and justice. 

"EDWIN M. STANTON, 

" Secretary of War.^' 

1 stated in my evidence a few moments ago that General Meade ordered the 
court, which is the fact. It assembled under his ordei% and decided that such a 
court could not proceed without the authority of the President of the United 
States. The matter was then referred to Washington, and the existence of the 
court was legalized by the President. This court assembled and took its evi- 
dence, which I understand is now in the hands of the President. 

There is also a point which will come up in this investigation, I suppose, in- 
asmuch as it came up in the investigation before this military board ; that is, 
as to the information which was furnished by me to General Meade during the 
action. I have simply to say, that I reported to him all hnportant movements, 
and that I did not feel at any time that any information was withheld from him 
which wag necessary to the making up of a correct opinion as to the state of 
affairs in my front. I will leave with the committee a copy of all messages re- 
ceived from General Meade by me during the action, and of all messages sent 
by me to General Meade, and by some of General Meade's officers, Avho were 
with me at intervals during the day, and who reported to General Meade the 
progress of affairs, which 1 considered the same as if reported myself. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 27 

Question. What reason did General Meade give for not Laving tlie attack 
made on the right and left, as you had suggested 1 

Answer. He never gave me any reasons. We never conversed upon the sub- 
ject. 

Question. An attack by the corps on your right and left was contemplated in 
the plan that you first submitted to him ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and in the despatches, just referred to, will be found one 
from me to General Meade, requesting that General Warren's corps should be put 
in. I first sent him a despatch, taking as much responsibility as I thought I 
could, in view of his letter of the 3d of July, stating that if Warren's men could 
be concentrated, and I could designate the time when they could go in, I would 
let him know, making it a half request. Afterwards, becoming anxious, I sent 
him a despatch embracing these words: "Now is the time for Warren to go in." 
Notwithstanding the ftict of his letter of the 3d of July, I thought I would take 
the responsibility of sending this despacth to him, and I did so. 

By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. As I understand it, the enemy's lines were very much weakened 
on their right and left at the time of the explosion of the mine ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. As I was informed by my signal officer, they took troops 
from in front of General Warren's corps, formed them in columns, and marched 
them around and assaulted our men who were trying to take the crest ; but he 
did not report having seen any troops taken from their left opposite General 
Hancock's corps. 

By the chairman : 

Question. In your opinion, were there any other of our troops engaged that 
day, excepting those who were trying to advance through the crater 1 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did not that fact enable the enemy to concentrate a greater force 
upon those who were advancing than they could have done had they been vig- 
orously attacked at other points of their lines ? 

Answer. There is scarcely a doubt of it. 

Question. Do you know any reason why those other troops along our lines 
were not ordered to engage the enemy at the time you were endeavoring to 
•penetrate beyond the crater ? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not know of any reason, and I do not know of any 
orders issued on that day, except those concerning my own command. 

The following are the despatches from General Meade : 

No. 1.] United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Arviy of the Potoymtc, July 30, 1864 — 3.20 a. m. 
Major General Burnsidb : As it is still so dark, the commanding general says 
you can postpone firing the mine, if you think it proper. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General, Chief of Stajf. 

This despatch was answered either by a written or verbal message from me, 
stating that the mine would be exploded at the hour designated — 3.30 a. m. 

No. 2.] United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, July 30, 1864 — 4.30 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : Is there any difiiculty in exploding the mine 1 It 
is three-fourths of an hour later than that fixed upon for exploding. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 



28 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

It is possible I did not answer this despatch, as I was at the time anxiously 
endeavoring to ascertain the cause of the delay in the explosion. 

xso. 3.] United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, July 30, 1864 — 4.30 a. m. 
Major General BuRNSlDE: If the mine cannot be exploded, something else 
must be done, and at once. The commanding general is awaiting to hear from 
you before determining. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 

The cause of the delay had not been ascertained when I received this de- 
spatch. 

No. 4.] United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarlers Ninth Corps, July 30, 1864 — 4.35 a. m. 
General Burnside : The commanding general directs, if your mine has failed' 
that vou make an assault at once, opening your batteries. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff . 

Just as I received this despatch Major Van Buren reported the cause of the 
delay, and I directed him to inform General Meade's aid (who was waiting) 
of the cause. Very soon after the mine exploded. 

No. 5.] United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Army of the 'Potomac, July 30, 1864 — 5.40 a. m. 
General Burnside : The general commanding learns that your troops are 
halting at the works where the mine exploded, and he disjects that all your 
troops be pushed forward to the crest at once. Call on General Ord to move 
forward his troops at once. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff . 

This was simply an order, and required no answer. 

No. 6. 1 United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Ju'y oO, 1864 — 5A0 a. m. 
General Burnside : What news from your assaulting column ? Please report 
frequently. 

GEO. G. MEAPE, 

Major General. 

To this despatch I replied as follows : 

Headquarters Army Corps, 

Battery Morton, July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : We have the enemy's first line and occupy the breach. I 
shall endeavor to push forward to the crest as rapidly as possible. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

P. S.' — There is a large fire in Petersburg. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain Sixth Infantry. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 29 

United States Military Telegraph, 
Headfiuarters Army 'Potomac, 6 a. m., July 30, 1864. 

Major General Burnside, 

Commanding 9tk Corps : 
The commanding general wishes to know what is going on on your left, and 
whether it would be an advantage for Warren's supporting force to go in at 
once. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Sta^. 

This was answered as follows : 

General Meade : 

6.20 a. m. 
If General Warren's supporting force can be concentrated just now ready to 
go in at the proper time, it would be well. I will designate to you when it 
ought to move ; there is scarcely room for it now on our immediate front. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

United States Military Telegraph, 
Headquarters Army Potomac, July 30, 1864 — 5.30 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

Warren's force has been concentrated, and ready to move since 3.30 a. m. 
My object in inquiring was to ascertain if you could judge of the practicability 
of advancing without waiting for your column. What is the delay in your 
column moving? Every minute is most precious, as the enemy are undoubtedly 
concentrating to meet you on the crest ; and if you give them time enough, you 
cannot expect to succeed. There will be no object to be gained in occupying the 
enemy's line ; it cannot be held under their artillery fire, without much labor 
in turning it. The great point is to secure the crest at once and at all hazards. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

I replied this as follows : 

July 20, 1864. 
General Meade: 

I am doing all in my power to push the troops forward, and if possible we 
will carry the crest. It is hard work, but we hope to accomplish it. I am 
fully alive to the importance of it. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

Headquarters Army Potomac. 
7.30 a. m., July 30, 1864. 

Major General Burnside : 

What do you mean by hard work to take the crest? I understand not a man 
has advanced beyond the enemy's line which you occupied immediately after 
exploding the mine. Do you mean to say your officers and men will not obey 
your orders to advance ? If not, what is the obstacle ? I wish to know the 
truth, and desire an immediate answer. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 



30 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBURG. 

Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

Battery Morton, July 30, 1864. 
General Meade: 

your despatch per Captain Jay received. The main body of General Pot- 
ter's division is beyond the crater. I do not mean to say that my officers and 
men will not obey my orders to advance. I mean to say that it is very hard 
to advance to the crest. 

I have never in any report said anything different from what I conceived to 
be the truth. Were it not insubordinate, I should say that the latter remark of 
your note was unofficerlike and ungentlemanly. 
Respectfully yours, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

Headquarters Army .of the Potomac, 

7.30 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

General: Will you do me the favor to send me a copy of my note to you 
per Captain Jay. I did not keep any copj, intending it to be confidential. 
Your reply requires I should have a copy. 
Respectfully yours, 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

This was answered by sending eitiier a copy or the original note by the aide 
who brought the above despatch. 

United States Military Telegraph, 
Headquarters Army Potomac, 8 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Burnside : 

Since writing by Captain Jay, Captain Sanders has come in, and reported 
condition of affairs. He says Griffin has advanced and was checked. This 
modifies my despatch. Still I would like to know the exact morale of your 
corps. Ord reports that he cannot move until you get out of the way. Can't 
you let him pass out on your right, and let him try what he can do ? 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

U. S. Military Telegraph, before Petersburg, 

Covered Way, Fourteen-Gun Battery, July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

Many of the ninth and eighteenth corps are retiring before the enemy. I 
think now is the time to put in the 5th corps promptly. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

United States Military Telegraph, 
Headquarters Ar7ny Potomac, 9 30 a. ni., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

The major general commanding has heard that the result of your attack has 
been a repulse, and directs that if in your judgment nothing further can be 
effected, that you withdraw to your' own line, taking precaution to get your 
men back safely. General Ord will do the same. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 31 

United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Army Potomac, July 30, 1864. 
General Burnside : 

The major general commanding directs that you withdraw to jour own in- 
trenchments. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General. 

After the receipt of these despatches I went to General Meade's headquarters, 
as I before stated, to request that the orders might be rescinded. 

United States Military Telegraph, 

Headquarters Army Potomac, July 30, 1864. 
General BurnssIDE and General Ord: 

You can exercise your own discretion in withdrawing your troops now, or at a 
later period — say to-night. It is not intended to hold the enemy's line which 
you now occupy any longer than is required to withdraw safely your men. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

The despatch, I think, passed me while I was on the way to General Meade's 
headquarters. 

Besides the despatches from me, the following wei*e sent from my headquarters 
by an aide of General Meade, who was with me during the day. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

5.50 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

The eighteenth corps have just been ordered to push forward to the crest. 
The loss does not appear to be heavy; some prisoners coming in. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain Qth hifantry. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac. 

6.L0 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Meade, com?nanding: 

General Burnside says he has given orders to all his division commanders to 
put everything in at once. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain 6tk Infantry. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

8.45 a. m , July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

One gun has just been taken out of the mine, and is now being put in posi- 
tion. Have not heard anything from the attack made from the left of the mine. 
One set of colors just sent in, captured by the negroes. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain 6tk Infantry. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

9 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

The attack made on the right of mine has been repulsed. A great many 
men are coming to the rear. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain Qth Infantry. 



32 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

In addition to these, General Meade received a despatcli from Lieutenant 
Colonel Loriug, my inspector general, which was intended for me, and was for- 
warded to me by him, (General Meade,) which assured me that he had the in- 
formation contained in the despatch. 



Testimony of Major General George G. Meade. 

HEADaUARTERS ArMY OF THE POTOMAC, 
Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 
Major General George G. Meade sworn and examined. 

By Mr. Chandler : 
Question. What is your rank and position in the army 1 

Answer. I am a major general of the United States army, commanding the 
army of the Potomac. 

Question. Will you state to the committee, in your own way, whatever you 
may deem important in relation to the battle before Petersburg, of July 30, 1864 ? 
Answer. Immediately after that action took place, I felt that it was due to 
the public, to the army, and to myself, that the matter should be thoroughly 
investigated. I therefore applied to the President of the United States, the 
only power having authority to order such an investigation, to order a court of 
inquiry, which he immediately did. That court was composed of four of the 
most distinguished officers of this army. Major General Hancock was the pres- 
ident of it, and Brigadier General Ayres, Brigadier General Miles, and some 
other officer, whose name I do not now recollect, were the other members of it. 
That court was in session in this army within a few days after ttie battle. I 
appeared before it and submitted a full and complete statement and explanation 
of all the facts connected with the matter, and directed their attention to the 
proper persons to be called before them. They had before them all the officers 
who were then upon the ground, and thoroughly investigated the whole sub- 
ject. Their proceedings were transmitted to the War Department, where, so 
far as my knowledge extends, they have been from that time to this. Of the 
result of those proceedings, the opinion of the court, or anything that occurred 
before them, excepting my own testimony, I am perfectly ignorant. 

I would suggest to tlie committee that they call upon the War Department 
for a copy of those proceedings, as they will find there all the information which 
can possibly be obtained. And if, after an examination of those proceedings — 
which might be made a part of the testimony before you — any further informa- 
tion should be desired, it could easily be obtained by calling upon such officers 
as the committee might deem it advisable to examine. 

At present the only documents I have with me are my official report, which I 
made to Lieutenant General Grant immediately after the affair, and some papers 
referred to in that report. Those, with the permission of the committee, I will 
now read and make part of my testimony. They give a general history of the 
transaction, but do not enter into details so much as I could do if I had all my 
despatches and official papers here. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

August 16, 1864. 
I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations on the 30th 
ultimo, when an unsuccessful assault was made on the enemy's works in front 
of Petersburg. Soon after occupying our present lines. Major General Burn- 
side, commanding 9th corps, at the suggestion of Lieutenant Colonel Pleasants, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PiyfEKSBURG. 33 

4Sth Pemisylvaiiia volunteers, commenced tlie running of a galleiy from hi^ 
line to a battery occupied by the enemy, with a view of plachig a mine unde^* 
this battery. When my attention was called to this Avork, I sanctioned its 
prosecution, though at the time, from the reports of the engineers and my own 
examination, I was satisfied the location of the mine was sucli that its explo- 
sion would not be likely to bo followed by any important result, as the battery 
to be destroyed was in a re-entering part of the enemy's line, exposed to an 
enfilading lire, and reverse fire from points both on the right and left. The 
mine being completed, and the movement of the 2d corps to the north side of 
the James having drawn off the greater portion of the confederate array, the 
lieutenant general commanding directed the explosion of the mine, and the 
assaulting the enemy's Avorks. For this purpose the ISth corps wa< placed 
under my command, in addition to the army of the Potomac. On the 29tli 
ultimo, a general order of battle was issued, a copy of which is herewith an- 
nexed, (marked A,) which will serve to show the plan of the proposed attack. 
On the 3iJth, owing to a defect in the fuse, the explosion of the mine was delayed 
from 3.30 to 4.45 a. m., an unfortunate delay, because it Avas designed to as- 
sault the crest of the ridge occupied by the enemy just before daylight, Avhen 
the movement would in a measure be obscured. As soon as the mine Avas 
sprung, the 1st division 9th corps. Brigadier General Ledlie commmanding, 
mi)ved forward and occupied the crater AA^ithont opposition. No advance, hoAV- 
cver, Avas made from the crater t» the ridge, some 400 yards beyond ; Brigadier 
General Ledlie giving as a reason for not pushing forA\'ard, that the enemy 
could occupy the crater in his rear, he seeming to forget that the rest of his 
corps and all the ISth corps Avere waiting to occupy the crater and folloAv him. 
Brigadier Generals Potter and Wilcox, commanding 2d and 3d divisions, 9th 
corps, advanced simultaneously Avith Ledlie, and endeavored to occupy parts of 
the enemy's lino on Ledlie's right and left, so as to cover those flanks, respect- 
ively, but on reaching the enemy's line Ledlie's men Avere found occupying 
the A-acated parts, both to the right and left of the crater, in consequence of 
which the men of the several divisions got mixed up, and a scene of disorder 
and confusion camm:;nced, Avhicli seems to have continued to the end of the 
operations. In the mean time, the (memy rallying from the confusion incident 
to the explosion, began forming his infantry in a ravine to the right, and plant- 
ing his artillery botli on the right and left of the crater. Seeing this, Potter 
Avas enabled to get his men out of the'crater and enemy's line, and had formed 
them for an attack on the right, Avhen he received an order to attack the crest 
•of the ridge. Notwithstanding he had to change front in the presence of the 
enemy, he succeeded not only in doing so, but, as he reports, advancing to Avithin 
a few yards of the crest, which he Avould have taken if he had been supported. 
This Was after 7 a. m., more than tAvo hours after Ledlie had occupied the cra- 
ter, and yet he had made no advance. He, however, states that he was form- 
ing to adA-ance when the 4th division, (colored troops,) General Ferrero com- 
manding, came rushing into the crater, and threw his men into confusion. The 
4th division passed beyond the crater, and made an assault, Avhen they eucoim- 
tered a heaA-y fire of artillery and infiintry, Avhich thrcAv them into inextricable 
confusion, and t4iey retired in disorder through the troops in the crater, and 
back into our lines.' In the mean time, in ignorance of what Avas occurring, I 
sent orders to Major General Ord, commanding ISth corpc, Ayho Avas expected 
to follow the Dth, to advance at once on the right of the 9th, and independ- 
ently of the latter. To this General Ord rei)lied, the only debouches Avere 
choked up Avith the 9th corps, which had not all advanced at this time. 
He, however, pushed on a brigade of Turner's division over the 9th corps 
parapets, and directed it to charge the enemy's line on the right, Avhere 
it Avas still occupied. While it was about executing this order, the disor- 
ganized 4tli division (colored) of the 9th corps came rushing back Jincl car- 
Rep. No. 114 3 



34 EXPLO.SlOxX OF THE MINE BEFORE FETERSIJURO. 

vying everything- with thorn, including Turuei-'s bl•igack^ By ihis time — 
between 8 nnd 9 a. m. — the enemy, :^eeing the hesitation and confusion 
on our part, having planted batteries on both flanks in ravines where our 
artillery could not reach them, opeucd a heavy fire, not only on the ground in 
front of the crater, but between it and our lines, their mortars at the same time 
throwing shells into the dense mass of our men in the crater and adjacent 
works. In addition to this artillery fire, the enemy massed his infantry and 
assaulted the position. Although the assault was repulsed and some heroic 
fighting was done, particularly on the part of Potter's division and some regi- 
ments of the ISth corps, yet the exhaustion incident to the crowding of the men and 
the intense heat of the weather, added to the destructiA'e artillery fire of the enemy, 
produced its cn'ect, and report was brought to me that our men were retiring 
into our old lines. Being satisfied the moment Iw success had passed, and that 
any further attempt would only result in useless sacrifice of life, with the con- 
currence of the lieutenant general commanding, who was presf^iit, I directed 
the suspension of further offensive movements, and the withdrawal of the troops 
in the crater when it could be done with security, retaining the position till 
Slight if necessary. It appears that when this order reached thu crater, 12.20, 
the greater portion of those that had been in were out; the balance remained for 
an hour and a half repulsing an attack of the enemy, but on the enemy threat- 
ening a second attack, retreating in disorder, losing many prisoners. This ter- 
minated this most unfortunate and not very creditable operation. I forbear to 
comment in the manner I might otherwise deem myself justified in doing, be- 
cause the whole subject, at my request, has been submitted for investigation by 
the President of the United »State3 to a court of inquiry, with directions to re- 
port upon whom, if any one, censure is to be laid. I transmit herewith the 
reports of corps, division, and brigade commanders, giving the details of the 
operations of each corps. There are two remarks in the report of Major Gen- 
eral Burnside which justice to myself requires I should notice. General Burn- 
side has thought proper to state: "A plan of attack was submitted, involving- 
the putting the colored division in advance, and a certain formation of troops. 
and that the plan was disapproved in these two particulars." This statement is 
not accurate. The proposition to place the colored division at the head of the 
assaulting column was disapproved, but no control was exercised over General 
Burnside in the tactical formation of his colimui. This will be seen by reference 
to the correspondence that passed upon flie subject, marked B and 0. Again, 
Major General Burnside says: "Peremptory orders from the commanding gen- 
eral directed me to throw in all my troops and direct them against the crest. 
Under these orders, I directed the 4th division, colored, to advance, Avhich di- 
vision I had hitherto held back, under the belief that these new troops could 
not be used to advantage in the crowded condition of the portion of the enemy's 
line held by us." I presume Major General Burnside here refers' to. the des- 
patch addressed to him as follows. (See despatch of July 30, 6 a. m.) 

It was not intended by that order, nor was any such construction justified by 
its terms, to push forward the colored division into the over-crowded crater, 
there to add to the disorganization and confusion already existing, and the ex- 
istence of which I was utterly ignorant, but of which it is to be presumed, from 
the extract from his report. General Burnside was aware. The order required 
that the men in the crater should be pushed forward at all hazards to the crest 
beyond, and when they moved the colored division advanced after them. It 
will be seen to be the concixrrent testimony of all parties that the failure of suc- 
cess was in a great measure due to the injudicious advance of the colored di- 
vision into the over-ciowded crater and adjacent parts of the enemy's line, and 
to the confusion produced by their retiring a disordered and disorganized mass, 
after attempting an assault. From the reports transmitted, I caimot perceive, 
that the colorerl troops are open to any more censure for their conduct than the. 



-EXPLOSION OF THE MINE J5EF0RE PETERSBURG. 35 

other troop;-! eng-aged. I enclose herewith a list of casualties, aiuoimting in all 
in the array of the Potomac and 18th corps to 4,400 killed, wounded, and missing; 
246 prisoners, two (2) colors and two (2) guns were captured, but the latter 
were abandoned on retiring from the crater. 

In closing this report, I cannot forbear from expressing the poignant regret I 
experienced at the failure of an operation promising such brilliant resiilts had 
it been successful. Had the mine been sprung at 3.30, a. m., and the crest 
promptly seized, as it is believed it could have been done in thirty minutes after the 
explosion, such a lorce could have been poured into the crest as to have rendered 
its repo-ssession by the enemy impossible, and thus have rendered untenable all 
his lines around Petersburg. But the operation Avas essentially a coup-de-main, 
depending for success upon the utmost promptitude of movement, and the taking 
advantage of the shock produced on the enemy by the explosion of the mine. 
The causes of the failure justice to all parties requires I should leave to the court 
of inquiry to ascertain. ' 

Very respectfully, &c., 

GEO. (i. MEADE, 
JSlajor Geiifrai Cconmanding. 

Lieut. Col. T. »S. BuvvEKs, 

Assist. AdJ't Genera/. 

Otlicial: , 

8. WILEIAMS, Assista/,t Adjutant Geueral. 



IlEADQL'Airnujs Army (ik thk Potomac, 

Juhj 29. 1S04. 

ORDERS. 

The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all conciTned : 

1. As soon as it is dark, Major General Burnside, commanding ninth corps, 
will withdraw his two brigades under General White, occupying the intrench- 
ments between the plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care 
will be taken not to interfere with the troops of the eighteenth corps moving- 
into their position in rear of the ninth corps. General Burnside will forxu his 
troops for assaulting the enemy '.s works at daylight of the 30th, prepare his 
parapets and a])attis for the passage of the columns, and have the pioneers 
equipped for work in opening passages for artillery, destroying enemy's abattis, 
and the intrenching tools distributed for eftccting lodgement, &c. 

2. Major (Jeneral Warren, commanding fifth corps, will reduce the number 
of his troops holding the intreuchments of his front to the minimum, and con- 
centrate all his available force on his right, and hold them prepared to support 
the assault of Major General Burnside. The preparations in respect to j^ioneers, 
intrenching tools, &:e., enjoined upon the ninth corps will also be made by the 
fifth corps. 

3. As soon as it is dark Major General Ord, commanding eighteenth corps, 
will relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott's division of the second 
corps, and form his corps in rear of the ninth corps, and be prepared to support 
the assault of Major General Burnside. 

4. Every preparation will be made for moving forwani the field avtillery uf 
each corps. 



26 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSIJUKG. 

o. At dark Major General Hancock, commanding second corps, will move 
from Deep Bottom to the rear of the intreuchments now held by the eighteenth 
corps, resume the command of Mott's division, and be prepared at daylight to 
follow lip the assaulting and supporting columns, or for such other operations 
as may be found necessary. 

6. Major General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom to Lee's mill, and at daylight will move with 
his whole corps, including Wilson's division, against the enemy's troops defend- 
ing Petersburg on the right, by the roads leading to that town from the south- 
Avard and westward. 

7. Major Duane, acting chief engiiieer, will hare the pontoon train parked 
at convenient points in the rear, prepared to move. He will see that supplies 
of sand-bags, gabions, fascines, &c., are in depot near the lines, ready for use. 
He will detail engineer officers for each corps. 

S. At half past 3 in the morning of the oOth 3Iajor General Burnside will 
spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immediately move rapidly 
upon the breach, seize the crest in the rear, and effect a lodgement there. He 
will be followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, 
directing his movement to the crest indicated, and by Major General Warren, 
who will support him on the left. 

Upon the explosion of the mine the artillery of all kinds la battery will open 
upon those points of the enemy's works whose fire covers the groundover which 
our columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the progress of 
our troops. Special instructions respecting the direction of fire will be issued 
through the chief of artillery. 

9. Corps commanders will report to the commanding general when their pre- 
parations arc complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of the 
operation, and of everything important that occurs. 

10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential 
to success, and the commanding general is confident that this indication of liis 
expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

11. Headquarters during the operation will be at the headquarters of the 
ninth corps. 

By command of ^lajor General Meade. 

S. WILLIAMS, 



Official 



Assistant Adjutant General. 
S. WILLIAMS, .4. A. G. 



B. 

Hbadquartrrs Ninth Army Corps, 

July 26, 1864. 
General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your notes of this 
morning by Captains Jay and Bache, also of a telegram from the commanding 
general relating to the same subject. It is altogether probable that the enemy 
are cognizant of the fiict that we are mining, because it has been mentioned in 
their newspapers, and they have been heard to work on what are supposed to 
be shafts in close proximity to our galleries. But the rain of night before last 
no doubt filled their shafts and much retarded their work. We have heard no 
soubds of work in them either yesterday or to-day, and nothing is heard by us 
in the mine but the usual sounds of work on the surface above. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 37 

This morning- we had some apprehensions that the left lateral gallery was 
in danger of caving in from the weight of the batteries above it and the shock 
of their firing." But all possible precautions have been taken to strengthen it, ' 
and we hope to preserve it intact. 

The placing of the charges in tlie mine will not involve the necessity of 
making a noise. It is therefore probable that we will escape discovery if the 
mine is to be used within two or three days. It is nevertheless highly import- 
ant, in my opinion, that the mine should be exploded at the earliest possible 
moment consistent with the general interests of the campaign. I state to you 
the facts as nearly as I can, and in the absence of any knowledge as to the 
meditated movements of the army I must leave you to judge the proper time to 
make use of the mine. But it may not be improper for me to say, that the 
advantages reaped from the work would be but small if it were exploded with- 
out any co-operative movement. My plan would be to explode the mine just 
before daylight in the morning, or about "> o'clock in the afternoon, mass the 
two brigades of the colored division in rear of my first line, in column of divis- 
ions, "double columns closed in mass" — the head of each brigade resting on 
the front line, and as soon as the explosion has taken place move them forward 
with instructions for the divisions to take half distance ; and as soon as the 
leading regiments of the two brigades pass through the gap in the enemy's 
line, the leading regiments of the right brigade to come into line perpendicular 
to the enemy's line by the right companies " on the right into line wheel," the 
left companies "on the right into line," and proceed at once down the line of 
the enemy's works as rapidly as possible ; the leading regiments of the left 
brigade to execute the reverse movement to the left, moving up the enemy's 
line. The remainders of the two columns to move directly towards the crest in 
front as rapidly as possible, diverging in such a way as to enable them to deploy 
into columns of regiments, the right column making as nearly a? may be for 
Cemetery hill. These columns to be followed by the other divisions of this 
corps as soon as they can be thrown in. This would involve the necessity of 
relieving these divisions by other troops before the movement, and of holding, 
columns of other troops in readiness to take our place on the crest, in case we 
gain it, and sweep down it. 

It would be advisable, in my opinion, if we succeed in gaining the crest, to 
throw the colored division right into the town. There is a necessity for the 
co-operation, at least in the way of artillery, of the troops on my right and left ; 
of the extent of this you will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of 
success in a plan of this kind are more than even. 

The main gallery of the mine is five hundred and twenty-two (522) feet in 
length, the side galleries about forty (40) feet each. My suggestion is that 
eight magazines be placed in the lateral galleries — two at each end, say a few 
feet apart, in branches at right angles to the side galleries, and two more in 
each of the side galleries, similarly placed, situated by puirs equidistant from 
each other and the ends of the galleries, thus : 

[See diagram, page 16.] 

Tamping beginning at the termination of the main gallery, ibr, say, one hundred 
feet, leaving all the air space in the side galleries. Run out some five or six 
fuses and two v.-ires to render the ignition of the charge certain. 

I propose to put in each of the eight magazines from twelve to fourteen 
hundred pounds of powder, the magazines to be connected by a trough of pow- 
der instead of a fuse. 

T beg to enclose a copy of a statement from (leneral Potter on the subject. 
I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a wood near our ammuni- 
tion train, about a mile in rear of this place ; Lieutenant Colonel Pierce, chief 
quartermaster, will furnish Captain Strang with a guide to the place. 



38 EXPLOSION OK THE MINE JiEFORE PETEKSP.URG. 

I beg also to rct£uest that General Burbaus be iuytructed to send ur< at once 
eight tliousaud (8,000) sand-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes. 
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major itvncrdl Commaiiiling. 
Major General Huiil'HRPJV'c;, 

ChiefnfSfaf 
Official : 

CHAKLES E. PEASE, 

A-ifiisfant AfJjvtoHt General. 



0. 

Headquarters Armv of the 1'oto.mac, 

Jul>i 29, 1864— lO.lf) a. m. 
I am instructed to say that the major general commanding submitted to the 
lieutenant general connnanding the armies your proposition to form the leading 
columns of assault of the black troops, and that he, as well as the major general 
commanding, does not approve the proposition, but directs that those columns 
be formed of the -nhite troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief nf i^'t off. 
C0MMAA'DI.\<i OpFlrKR Oth ('orp.t. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, .1. A. G. 



Headquartkiis Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1SG4— 6 a. m. 
Prisoners taken say there is no line in their rear, and that their men were 
falling back when ours advanced ; that none of the troops have returned from 
the James. Our chance is now ; push your men forward at all hazards, white 
and black, ;i,nd don't lose time in making formations, but rush for the crest. 

G. G. MEADE, 
Major General Cormnanding. 
Major General Plrnside, 

Cojnmanding \)fh Corps. 
Official c<->])v : 

S. WILLLVMS, A. A. G. 

This report, which I made to Lieutenant General Grant immediately after the 
affair occurred, was accompanied by the official reports of the subordinate com- 
manders. I subsequently appeared before the court of inquiry and made a 
very long and detailed statement, accompanied by all my despatches, illustrat- 
ing all the events of the day, which it is not now in my power to make to this 
committee from want of material and the absence of those papers. I propose, 
therefore, with the sanction of the committee, to content myself with the sub- 
mitting of those papers, provided that, if the suggestion I have made, that the 
committee call for the proceedings of this court of inquiry, is not acceded to, I 
shall then be permitted, upon some further occasion, when I can get my papers, 
to again appear before the committee and make such statement as I may desire to 
make. 

Question. Gan you state what was the cause of the delay in the explosion of 
ihc mine ? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE HEFORE PETERSBURG. 39 

Auswer. Yet?, sir; that wa:^ caused by a defect iii tlic fuse. That Avas aii 
accident for wliicli nobody was responsible. That was corrected by the gal- 
lantry of some soldiers, whose names I do not now remember, who went into the 
mine, found that the fuse had ceased to burn, and relighted it. 

Question. Was there any delay in making the assault after the mine was 
exploded ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; not so much delay in making the assault as delay in taking 
advantage of the occupation of the crater of the mine within the enemy's line. 
There was some delay in making the charge. Arrangements which should have 
been made preparatory to that charge were not made, so far as I can ascertain. 
There was not a sufficient dchouclic from our line of works. There was a high 
parapet \\\ front of our lines, an abattis and other obstacles to keep the enemy 
from us. Those obstacles should have been removed to enable our troops to 
move out promptly. There was but a small opening made, by vdiich the 9th 
corps, 15,000 men, moved out by the flank ; whereas there should have been 
an opening sufficiently large to have allowed the whole corps to move out and 
to have gone to the crest in not more than thirty minutes. 

I will furnish the committee with a map which will show exactly the relative 
position of the mine with the enemy's lines and to our own, and which will show 
the position which it was desirous to take after the explosion of the mine. The 
explosion of the mine was simply a preliminary operation for the purpose of 
making an opening in the enemy's line through which we might pour our troops 
and get in rear and occupy a hill behind their line which commanded all their 
works. But, after getting into the crater of the mine, the troops never advanced 
beyond. No eflbrt was made to gain possession of the hill beyond until the 
enemy had collected such a force that our troops were repulsed. 

Question. Could this abattis have been cleared away prior to the springing of 
the mine '{ 

Answer. Certainly ; ai»d it ouglit to have been done, and it was ordered to be 
done during the night previous. 

Question. Can you state about how much delay there was, after the springing 
of the mine, before the charge was made ? 

Answer. The charge never was properly made. I think that in the course 
of twenty or twenty-five minutes the troops advanced and occupied the crater of 
the mine. But the charge was to have been made from the mine. There was 
no firing upon our troops until they got to the mine — nothing but marching 
ahead for the first half hour. During that time anybody could walk across and 
get to the mine. The charge M-as to have been made from the mine to the hill 
beyond. That charge never was made. But the troops kept crowding into this 
crater, which was n large hole some 150 feet in length by 50 feet in width and 
25 feet in deptli. The troops just crowded into that hole and the adjacent parts 
of the enemy's lines which had been abandoned for about a hundred yards on 
each side of the crater. That was immediately filled up by our troops. There 
they remained, and the more men there were there the worse it was. Their 
commanders could not keep order among them. The difficulty was to get the 
men out of this crater and to the hill beyond. 

1 probably ought to add that the condition of the army, from the long cam- 
paign in which it had been engaged, the number of battles it had fought, and 
the frequent attempts it had made to take the enemy's works, which had resulted 
unsuccessfully, the heat of midsummer — from all these causes the condition of 
the army was in some measure unfavorable for all operations of this kind. The 
men did not fight at that time with the vim with which they fought when we 
first crossed the Rapidan. 

I am probably as ignorant as the committee in regard to many of these details. 
I did not hear the testimony before the court of inquiry ; 1 was not pre.sent 
when it was taken. But uudoubtedh^ the solution of all these questions v/ill be 



40 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG, 

found in their proceedings. If I had them before me I could better answer 
your questions. I never could ascertain, and I do not know, why tliat charge 
was not made from the crater of the mine npon the crest of the hill beyond at 
the time when it might have been made. 

I do not know who to censure, Avhether General Eurnside or the soldiers of 
that connnand. I involved myself in a difficulty with General Burnside by 
surmising during the course of the operations that it was owing to some indis- 
position on the part of the men ; that the men would not go forward ; that their 
officers could not get them forward ; and, in my anxiety to know the correct 
state of the case, in order that I might base my orders upon it — because I had 
made up my mind that if any such obstacle existed the men should be withdrawn 
and not uselessly slaughtered— I addressed a despatch between eight and nine 
o'clock in the morning to General Eurnside, in reply to one which he had sent 
to me, in which he stated to me that he was trying to take the crest, but it was 
very hard. I asked what was the difficulty, and said that his men, so far as I 
could ascertain from such information as I could gather, had not advanced beyond 
the crater, and had made no attempt to take the crest ; therefore 1 could not 
understand what the difficulty was. Then I asked him " Is it that you cannot 
get your orders obeyed, and that your men will not advance? I want to know 
the truth." 

I did not mean to im])ugn General Eurnside's veracity, or to suppose for an 
instant that he would tell me what was not true. All I meant to say was, " If 
you know this, you are naturally reluctant to acknowledge it; and in order to 
give you an opportunity to do so, I will make my request as urgent and 
emphatic as possible." General Burnside considered it a personal reflection 
upon himself and his veracity, and became very indignant. But it was not 
that. I wanted to know the exact state of the case. I had received a despatch 
which was intended for General Burnside, about six o'clock in the morning, or 
a little after six. The mine had been sprung at 4.45. The despatch was- 
brought to me by an orderly. I was then at GencralEurnside's former head 
quarters, where I had established my headquarters during the day. The 
despatch was written by Colonel Loring, of General Eurnside's staff, and was 
ilated from the crater. It stated, " Ledlie's division has occupied the crater 
without opposition. But his men are crowding down in it and he cannot get 
them forward." I'hat was the first cause of difficulty in getting the men to 
go forward. I sent the despatch to General Eurnside, informing him that I 
had read it, and asked him to use every measure to pnsh the men forward. Fox- 
if we did not immediately take advantage of the opening for us made by the 
explosion of the mine, the time would soon go by in which we could do so. I 
made no further allusion to that. 

When it came to eight and nine o'clock, and no advance was made, and I 
got this despatch from General Burnside, that it was very hard to get the men 
forward, I asked him, "What is the difficulty? Is it that your men will not 
go forward I " I drew the attention of the court of inquiry particularly to 
that, and requested that they would investigate and ascertain whether there was 
any difficulty on the part of the men, because the thing has occurred before, 
and it may occur again, that men will not do what they are wanted to do, and 
if that is the case, no officer should be held responsible. 

Question. Were the suj)porting corps, on the right and left, engaged at the 
time of the attack ? 

Answer. No, sir; they could not be engaged, because they could not get out 
of our lines. The theory of the attack was this. The explosion of the mine 
wonld make an opening in the enemy's lines. General Eurnside's corps, of 
15,000 men, was to immediately take advantage of that and rush through and 
get on the crest beyond. The moment that was done, they Avere to be followed 
by General Grd and his corps, and then by about 10,000 men of General War- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 41 

reu's corps, which was massed aud hekl in readiness immediately on General 
Burnfeide's left; and then eventually to be followed by General Hancock's 
forces. T had prepared a force of from 40,000 to 50,000 men, to take advan- 
tage of our success gained by General Burnside's corps. Their movements 
were essentially dependent upon General Burnside, if he failed, all the rest 
were to be kept quiet ; when he did not get through, but was withdraM'n, all the 
rest of the command was not called into action. 

By ]\Ir. Loan : 

(Question. If I understand your statement correctly, the theory of the opera- 
tion was that, after breaking their line by the explosion of the mine, General 
Burnside was to advance and siege the crest of the hill beyond. Then he was 
to be followed by General Ord and the 19th corps, and you had troops massed 
and all ready to support them if necessary ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

C^nestion. From where did the assault upon the troops in the crater come ? 

Answer. It came from the enemy. 

(Question. From what direction — from the right or left of the crater ? 

Answer, it came principally from the right of the crater — from a ravine to 
the right of the crater. There the t'neniy brought guns from all points, and 
threw their shells into the crater. 

Question. It was expected, I suppose, that the shock of the explosion Avould 
distract the attention of the enemy. Was there any arrangement made to attack 
the enemy in front of the corps to the right and left of the position of General 
Burnside, so as to keep them engaged, and prevent their attacking General 
Burnside ? 

Answer, (ieneral Hancock was ordered, and so y^^*^ General Warren, to hold 
themselves in readiness, and if there was the slightest disposition shown by the 
enemy to weaken their lines to assault the enemy. They sent me reports that 
the enemy's lines iu their front Avere strongly held, and that they could do 
nothing; that the enemy had sent away none of their troops in their front, and 
it was impossible to do anything there. All that matter is in ray testimony for 
the court of inquiry. After reading that testimony before that court, which I 
hope you will do, if any question then arises I will very readily answer it. My 
despatches are away from here now. 

Question. I understand that the plan was for General Burnside to throw in 
his troops as soon as the mine was s|)rung, and to occupy the crest of the hill 
beyond. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. AVhat co-operating assit^tance did }ou direct to be given to General 
Burnside in that matter ? 

Answer. General Ord was directed to immediately follow General Burnside ; 
to report to him, and to hold his command in readiness, which he did. General 
Warren was directed to mass all his available reserves, so as to prevent the 
enemy from making an attack, and to co-operate with General Burnside as soon 
as his (Burnside's) movements would justify his doing so. General Hancock 
was directed to hold his command in leadiness, to watch the enemy's movements 
and keep them engaged in his front, and if he saw any abandonment of their 
lines, any opportunity to co-operate with General Burnside, to move forward 
and assault the enemy. Those orders were all given the morning of the attack. 

Question. Did the enemy in front of Generals Hancock and Warren evacuate 
any portion of their lines ? 

Answer. They held them so firmly that both of those otlicers reported to me 
on the field that it would be useless to make any assault upon thein. 

Question. Do you know whether any portion of the enemy opposed to Gen- 



42 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE T5EF0RE PETERSDUKG. 

erals Hancock aiul Warren were directed against tlieforce,« of General IJurn.xide 
in the crater ? 

Answer. I do not ; my impression i.s, that the troops who operated against 
General Buvnside'.s forces came from the enemy's extreme right, and did not 
embrace any that had been immediately in presence of our forces. 

Question. Will you, as briefly as you can conveniently do so, tell us why it 
was Avhite troops, instead of colored troops, mvis placed in the advance tu carry 
that work, as I understand the case ? 

Answer. Prior to issuing the orders for the assault General Eurnside told me 
it was his intention to place his colored division in the advance of the assaulting 
column. I objected to his doing so on the ground, not that I had ;iny reason 
to believe that the colored troops would not do their duty as well as the white 
troops, but that, as they Avere a new division, and had never been under fire — 
had never been tried — and as this was an operation which I knew beforehand 
was one requiring the very best troops, I thought it impolitic to trust it to a di- 
vision of Avhose reliability we had no evidence ; therefore, 1 thought he ought 
to take one of his white divisions that he knew, from long experience, could be 
relied upon. General Burnside objected. I told him, then, tlaat in view of his 
wishes upon the subject, I would report the matter to the lieutenant general ; 
state to him my reasons, and those of General Burnside "s, and let him decide. 
If he should decide that General Burnside's arguments were sound, and mine 
were wrong, then I would yield. The matter was referred to General Grant, 
and he confirmed my view that it would be impolitic, in a critical operation of 
that kind, to take troops that were untried, and place them in the advance, and 
it was upon that ground that General Burnside's opinion was overruled. 

Question. What was the condition of General Burnside's white troops 1 Had 
they been exposed to any fatiguing duty for any great length of time previous 
to that assault ? 

Answer. They had been engaged in holding this line ever since ws had ar- 
rived before Petersburg— just such duty as they are now jierforming, for that 
corps has got back into its old line. 

Question. Was that duty calculated to exhaust the men ;>nd render them less 
efficient than under other circumstances? 

Answer. I cannot say that I thought it was; as 1 have already told you, the 
general services performed by the army I thought had undoubtedly affected its 
morale. The whole army was not in the condition it was when it crossed the 
Rapidan. I do not think there was anything in the special services of the 9th 
corps to render that corps less efficient. 

Question. Was there anything calculated to exhaust the white troops more 
than the colored troops ? 

Answer. I think not. 

Question. The white troops were up to the same standard with the colored 
troops. 

Answer. The colored troops had not been in the front. Up to that time they 
had not been engaged at all. The wliite troops had been engaged ever since 
they had crossed the Rapidan. 

Question. Had the colored troops been drilled with especial view to making 
that charge l 

Answer. I believe they had. By referring to my orders, a copy of which I 
have submitted to the committee, with my report, I think it will be apparent 
that so far as events could be anticipated in the movements of such large bodies 
of men, for there were nearly 50,000 men prepared to move, every contingency 
that could be thought of was had in view. 

Question. Were the enemy in the habit of firing day and nighi, n})on our 
lines wherever any of our men showed themselves ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOIIE PETERSBURG. 43 

Question. Would it have been possible, -without great lo.<s of life to have re- 
moved the abattis in front of the 9th corps 1 

Answer Yes, sir, it could have been done at night, without great loss of life, 
at least, that is my impression. But whatever might have been the loss of life, 
it was absolutely necessary for our further operations. I am of the opinion 
that it would not have been accompanied by any great loss of life. 

By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. Would it not have called the attenliou of r!ie enemy to the pro- 
posed movement? 

Answer. If they had seen it, it Avould undoubtedly have drawn their att'Mi- 
tion to it. However, it was one of the risks which we had to run. 

Question. Can you give the distance our assaulting column had to move to 
reach the crater of the mine I 

Answer. As near as Ave could tell, it was about one hundred yards; that was 
the estimated distance; 1 should say the distance between the two lines was 
about a hundred yard;^. 

By 'Sh: Loan : 

Question, You think there W|i- a ff.ilure to prepare the iiece^.-^ary dr/wurhe- 
ment for our troops ? 

Answer. I think that was one of the ditiicuUit-s, that sufficient arrangements 
had not been made in advance. 

Question. Can you tell -what time elapsed betw(^en the springing the mini? and 
the occupation of the crater by our troops 1 

Answer. I do not think it was more than ten or fifteen minutes before the 
head of the column got in. But at nine o'clock in the day the whole of General 
Burnside's troops had not got out ; I do not think he ever got all his nn'n out of 
our line. 

Question. AV^as there an attack upon the riglit. when tlie onler was given to 
attack and seize the crest of the hill directly 1 

Answer. So far as' 1 understand the circumstances, they were as follows : 
When I found that there was delay in the movement of this column up to the 
crest, I sent a despatch to General Buniside, urging him to push forward all 
his troops, without distinction of color, and to gain the crest as soon as possible; 
that despatch he sent to General Potter, directing him to immediatel}' advance 
to the crest. He sent him a peremptory order, which order General Potter re- 
ceived about the time ho was becoming engaged with the enemy, who were 
threatening him from the right. The order being peremptory, without reference 
to the condition of affairs, which General Burnside did not know, and which 1 
did not know. General Potter being a good soldier, began his movement 
toward the crest, and was met by another force of the enemy, and compelled to 
fall back ; that is the Avay 1 understand it. But in regard to that you can ob- 
tain the testimony of General T'ottor and others, who may give ;i different view 
of the matter. 

Question. You have stated that you consulted the lieutenant general in regard 
to placing the colored troops in advance; was any further plan of General 
Burnside in regard to that assault sxibmitted to General Grant at the same time? 

Answer. I think he was informed of everything that Genei-al Burnside had 
informed me of. 

Question. As I understand the matter. General Burnside had submitted to 
you in a communication a plan of attack for your consideration. 

Answer. Yes, sir, and which I never disapproved of. The only question of 
difference was in regard to the troops to bo employed. I never objected to his 
plan of handling his troops, I oidy objected to the colored troops being placed 



44 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

in the advance. General Burnside seemed afterwards! to be under the impression 
tliat I objected to all his plan. 

Question. Was there anything in that plan which referred to the commanders 
of the corps on the right and left of General Burnside — any suggestions in 
regard to them? 

Answer. No, sir, I do not think there was in that plan of his ; but previous 
to that there had been a question between General Burnside and myself in 
reference to the corps commanders on his right and left, Avhich I will explain to 
you, because T suppose that is what you refer to, and I want to make my way 
smooth as well as your own. 

Question. I may be mistaken, but i asked the question so that if I am not 
mistaken you can explain it. If I understand the matter rightly, General Burn- 
side suggested to you a plan of operations. The question I wanted to get at 
was whether that whole plan had been submitted to Lieutenant General Grant, 
and whether it met his approval, and your approval — whether it was adopted 
or not. 

Answer. 80 far as my recollection serves me, I think there wa:^ no general 
plan, involving the movements of the whole army, submitted to me by General 
Burnside. There Avas a plan involving the movements of his own corps, which 
he submitted to me; but that referred simply to the movements of his advance 
division. The only objection I intended to make to that plan was to the use of 
the colored troops in the advance. As to his tactical formation, and what he 
was to do with his troops, I made no objection. Therefore I think it extremely 
probable that I did not submit to General Grant anything but the question in 
regard to the colored troops. 

Question. I understand you to say that the delay in the explosinu of the mine 
arose from the failure of the fuse to burn. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. How many lines of fuse were used to explode that mine ? 

Answer. I am under the impression that there were three lines of fuse; at 
least I think General Burnside so reported. Whetlier the fact was that there 
were three fuses or not, I never inquired. 

Question. There must have been a failiue to burn of all three, if three were 
ignited. I want to ascertain whether there Avere three fuses or not. 

Answer. That is more than I can tell; T can only tell that the fuse failed to 
burn. 

Question. If there Avas but one line of fuse, I Avanted to learn Avhether ordi- 
nary prudence Avas exercised in a case of that importance. If there Avere three 
lines of fuse, there can be no question about the prudence exercised. 

Answer. That Avould bring up a question Avhicli I never asked, whether there 
Avere three fuses, and if so, whether they Avere all tired. I recollect \'ery Avell 
that General Burnside said there Avere three fuses ; and my recollection is that 
Avhen the delay Avas explained, General Burnside said the fault had been found 
in a fuse about fifty feet from the mouth of the gallery, and that the fuse had 
been rcignited and had then gone off. But Avhy it Avas that he did not ignite one 
of the other fuses 1 do not knoAV. 

Question. Would not ordinary prudence in an affair of that magnitude have 
required the three fuses to have been ignited, so as to have secured three 
chances for the explosion of the mine, instead of one / 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Were any orders sent to General Burnside to retreat, or to with- 
draAv his troops from the crater? 

AnsAver. Yes, sir; he Avas directed about ten or cleA-en o'clock to AvithdraAV. 
The first order sent to him Avas a distinct order to AvithdraAv. General Burnside 
came to the position Avhcre I Avas Avith General Grant, at the headquarters on 
the field, and stated that in his judgment it Avould be injudicious to Avithdraw at 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE I'.EFORE PETERSBURG. 45 

that, moment — that it would cause great sacrifice of life. I immediately au- 
thorized him, in writing, to exercise his judgment in the withdrawal — to remain 
there as long as he deemed it necessary for the secm-e withdrawal of his com- 
mand — stating that he could remain there, if he chose, until night. 

Question. As I understand you, General Potter, who Avas moving to the right 
to attack, upon the reception of his orders changed his movement towards the 
crest of the hill, whore he was met by the enemy and repulsed? 

Answer. Yes, sir, so 1 understand. 

Question. Were there any other troops of the 9th corps, or any troops of any 
corps that got beyond the crater during the engagement ? 

Answer. 1 think the colored troops got beyond the crater, were forming be- 
yond the crater when they received the artillery fire which caused them to break 
and go to the rear. 

Question. About what hour in the moi-ning was that? 

Answer. I cannot exactly say, but I should think it was about S o'clock; 
perhaps betv.'een S and o'clock. 



llKAnqUARTERS ArMV OF TliK PoTOMAC, 

January 16, 1805. 
Sir : I herewith transmit by the hands of my aide, Major Bache, additional 
testimony which 1 desire placed on record in relation to the affliir of July 30, 
1864. It includes the statement made by me to the court of inquiry, and is 
forwarded in accordance with the privilege accorded me by the committee 
authorizing me to add anything I chose to my deposition of the 20th ultimo. 
Very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 
Major General United States Army. 
Hon. B. P. AVade, 

Chairman Com. on Conduci of War, Washington, D. C. 



M(tjor General Meade's testimony before Court of Inquiry. 

Major General Meade, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, says : 
I propose in the statement that I shall make to the court — I presume the 
court want me to make a statement of facts in connexion with this case — to 
give a slight preliminary history of certain events and operations which culmi- 
nated in the assault on July 30th, and which, in my judgment, arc necessary to 
show to this court that I had a full appreciation of the difficulties that were to 
be encountered, and that I had endeavored, so far as ray capacity and judgment 
would enable me, not only to anticipate, but to take measures to overcome those 
difficulties. 

The mine constructed in front of General Burnside was commenced by that 
officer soon after the occupation of our present lines, upon the intercession of 
Lieutenant Colonel I'leasants, I think, of a I'eimsylvanian regiment, without 
any reference to, or any sanction obtained from, the general headquarters of 
the army of the Potomac. When the subject Avas brought to my knowledge, 
I authorized the continuance of the operations, sanctioned them, and trusted 
that the work would at some time result in forming an important part in our 
operations. But from the first I never considered that the location of General 
Burnside'ri mine was a proper one, because,, from what I could ascertain, the 
position of the enemy's Avorks and lines erected at that time, the position 



46 EXPLOSION OF TiiK MIXE 15EF0KE PETERSBURG. 

against wliicli he operated, wa.s not a suitable one iu wliicli to assault the enemy's 
lines, as it was commanded on both flanks, and taken iu reverse by their posi- 
tion on the Jerusalem plank road, and their works opposite the Hare House. 

I^will now read to the court the despatches which passed between Lieutenant 
General Grant, commanding the armies of the United States and myself, which 
will bear in themselves a sort of history of the preliminary operations, a corres- 
pondence which resulted, as I said before, in the iinal arrangements for the as- 
sault on July 30th. 

On the 24th July I rectdved a letter from the lieutenant general command- 
ing, which I will now read. I had been previously informed by tlie lieutenant 
general commanding that he desired some operations to take place offensive, 
against the enemy, and he had instructed the engineer oflicer at his headquar- 
ters, the engineer officer at General , Butler's headquarters, and the engineer 
officer at the headquarters army of Potomac, to make an examination of the 
enemy's position, and give an opinion as to the probable result of an attack. 
Their opinion is contained in the following letter: 

HEADaiAKTKlts Ak.MIES OF THE UmTEI) StaTE."?, 

City Point, Va., July 24, 1SG4. 
Maj. Genl. (Ieduge G. Meadk, Cuinniandmg AA.rmy of tJie Potomac: 

The engineer officers who made a survey of the front from Bermuda Hundred 
report against the probability of success from an attack there, the chances they 
think will be better on Burnside's front. If this is attempted, it will be neces- 
sary to concentrate all the force possible at the point in the enemy's line we ex- 
pect to penetrate. All officers should be fully impressed of the absolute necessity 
of pushing entirely beyond the enemy's present line, if they should succeed iu 
penetrating it, and of getting back to their present line promptly, if they should 
not succeed in breaking through. 

To the right and left of the point of assault, all the artillery possible should 
be brought to play upon the enemy in front during the assault. Thin lines would 
be sufficient for the support of the artillery, and all the reserves could be brought 
on the flank of their commands nearest to the point of assault ready to follow in 
if successful. Tlie tit Id artillery and infantry, held in the lines during the first 
assault, should be iu ] cadiuess to move at a moment's notice, either to their front 
or to follow the main -issault, as they should receive orders. One thing, however, 
should be impressed on corps commanders : if they see the enemy giving way in 
their front, or moving from it to reinforce a heavily assaulted position of their 
line, they should take advantage of such knowledge, and act promptly Avithout 
waiting for orders from their army commander. 

General Ord can co-opei'ate with his corps in this movement, and about live 
thousand troops from Bermuda Hundred can be sent to reinforce you, or can be 
used to threaten an assault hetween the Appomattox and James river, as may be 
deemed best. 

This should be done by 'J'uesday morning, if done at all. If not attempted 
we will then stait at the date indicated to destroy the railroad as fsir as Hicks- 
ford, at least, and to Weldon, if possible. 

Please give me your views on this matter, nud 1 will order at once. In this 
I have said nothing of the part to be taken by the cavalry, in case the enemy's 
lines are assaulted. The best disposition to be made of them probably would be 
to place them on the extreme left, with instructions to skirmfsli with the enemy 
and drive him back if possible, following up any success gained in tha^ way ac- 
cording to the judgment of the commander, or orders he may receive. 

Whether we send an expedition on the railroad, or assault at Petersburg, 
Burnside's mine will be blown up. 



f:XPLOSION OP THE MINE 15EF0RE PETERSBUEG, 47 

As it is impossible to hide preparations from our own officers .'uid men, and 
consequently from the enemj, it will be well to have it understood as far as possi- 
ble that just the reverse of what we intend is in contemplation. 
I am, }j:eneral, very respectfully, (Sec, 

U. S. GRANT, 
LiciUenant General. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

I desire to call the particular attention of the court to that communication, be- 
cause it contains the views of the lieutenant general commanding with reference 
to the assault ■n*hich should be made on Petersburg, and I Avish them to compare 
this communication with the orders and arrangements that I gave and made, -^o that 
they may see to the best of my ability tliat I ordered everything which he in- 
dicated to be done. 

• At the time that this communication was made to me, however, I w as under 
the impression that the obstacles to be overcome were more formidable than the 
subsequent operations led me to believe, and also that subsequent to that time 
there had b(;i'n no movement of the army to produce that great weakening of 
the enemy's front which afterwards occurred. Therefore my reply was to the 
effect that I was opposed to our making the assault. 
The following is ray reply, sent on the 24th : 

UkADUUARTKRS ArMV of THK PpTOMAC, 

Juli/ 24, 1SG4. 

GriiiXERAL: I havc received your letter per Lieutenant Colonel Comstock. In 
reply thereto I have to state that yesterday I made in person a close and care- 
ful reconnoissance of the enemy's position in my front. Although I could not 
detect any positive indication of a second line, yet, from certain appearances at 
various points, I became satisfied that a second line does exist on the crest of the 
ridge, just in rear of the position of Burnside's mine. I have no doubt of the 
successful explosion of the mine, and of our ability to crown the crater, effect a 
lodgment, and compel the evacuation of the enemy's present occupied line, but 
from their redoubt on the Jerusalem plank road, and from their position in front 
of the Hare House, their artillery fire would render our lodgement untenable, and 
compel our advance or withdrawal. 

The advance, of course, should be made, but its success would depend on the 
question whetlier the enemy have a line on the crest of the ridge. If they have, 
with the artillery fire they can bring to bear on the approaches to this second 
hill, I do not deem it practicable to carry the line by assault, and from my ex- 
amination, together with the evident necessity of their having such a line, I am 
forced to believe we shall find one there. 

I cannot therefore advise the attempt being made, but should it be deemed 
expedient to take the risks, and there is certainly room for doubt, I Avould like 
a little more time than is given in your note in order to place in position the 
maximum amount of artillery to bear upon the lines not assaulted. In re- 
ference to the assaulting force, it will be composed of the 9th and 2d corps. 

The 5th corjis will have to remain in their present position, and be prepared 
to meet any attempt of the enemy to turn our left flank, Avhich is not altogether 
unlikely, particularly if we should fail in our assault, and be compelled to with- 
draw. 

I am fully impressed with the importance of taking some immediate action, 
and am satisfied that, excepting regular approaches, the springing of Burnside's 
mine and subsequent assault is the most practicable, and I am not prepared to 
say the attempt would be hopeless. I am, however, of the opinion, so far as I can 



48 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE liEFORE PETERSBUIiG. 

iudjje, that the chaucc!? of its ><uccess are not such ap to make it expedient to at- 
tempt it. 

Very rerfjieetf'ully, yours, 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

3Iaj. Genl. Coni^!^. 
Lieutenant Geneial U. S. Grant, 

Official : 

8. E. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

P. S. — I enclose you a report of Major Duane which confirms ray views; if 
"Wright is soon to return, and we can extend our lines to the Weldon railroad, 
we could then advanced against the salient on the Jerusalem plank road, and 
make an attempt to carry them at the same time we assaulted in Burnside's 
front. 

This was my view «ome time ago, and we have been preparing the necessary 
siege works for this purpose. Under your instructions, however, none of the 
heavy guns and material have been brought to the fronr, and it would take, 
perhaps, two davs to get them up. 

GEORGE G. MEADE. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, .4. .1. G. 

HEAUaiAKTBUS AR.MV OF THE PoTOMAC, 

0//ice of Chief Engineer, July 24, 1864. 
Major General Meade, Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

In reply to your communication of this date, I have the hou(>r to state that 
the line of the enemy's works iu front of General Burnside is not situated on 
the crest of the ridge separating us from Petersburg. That the enemy liave un- 
doubtedly occupied this ridge as a second line. 

Should General Burnside succeed in exploding his mine, he would probably 
be able to take the enemy's first line, which is about one hundred yards iu ad- 
vance of his approach. Beyond this I do nor, think he could advance until the 
works in front of the fifth corps are carried, as the ninth corps column would be 
taken iu flank by a heavy artillery fire from works in front of the centre of the 
fiftli corps, and in front by fire from the works on the crest near the Ceme- 
itry hill. I do not believe that the works iu front of the 5th corps can be carried 
until our lines can be extended so as to envelope the enemy's line. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Official copy 



J. C. DUANE, 

Major Engineers, Ignited Sfafes Army. 

S. E. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



In reply to that I received a communication or report from General Grant, 
the result of Avhich Avas a suspension of the proposed attack : 

Headquarters Ah.miks or the Umteu Siate;^, 

City Point, July 24, 1864.' 
General : Your note brought by Colonel Coinstock is received. It will be 
necessary to act without expecting Wright. He is now in Washington ; but it 
is not fully assured yet that Early has left the valley, and if Wright was to start 
back no doubt the Maryland raid would be repeated. I am not Avilling to at- 
tempt a movement so hazardous as the one against intrenched lines, against the 



EXPLOSION OF THE MIXE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 49 

judgment of yourself and your engineer officers, and arrived at after a more 
careful survey of the grounds than I have given it. I will let you know, how- 
ever, in the morning what determination I come to. 
Very respectfullv, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, 



3Iajor General Meadb, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Official copy : 



Liieutenant General. 



S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Next day I made a closer examination ; and in the mean time a signal station 
was erected in a pine tree in front of General Burnside, which gave us a more 
compleie view than we had previously had of the enemy's line. My observa- 
tions modified my views, because I coixld not detect a second line, although I 
detected isolated batteries on the crest. I therefore wrote the following com- 
munication to General Grant, dated 12 m., July 26 : 

Hbadquakters Armv of the Potomac, 

12 m., July 26, 1864. 
Lieutenant General Grant : 

More critical examinations from a new signal station would lead to the con- 
clusion that the enemy have detached Avorks on the ridge in front of Burnside, 
but they have no connected line. This fact increases the chances of a success- 
ful assault ; and, taken in connexion with the fact that General Burnside does 
not now think the enemy have discovered his miue, on the contrary, believes 
they are laying the platform for a battery right over it. 

I have suspended the orders to load and discharge it to-morrow, as it may 
yet be useful in connexion with further operations. 

I am afraid the appearance of McLaw's division, together with Willcox's, pre- 
viously reported, will prevent any chance of a surprise on the part of our peo- 
ple to-morrow. Yesterday's Richmond Examiner also says your strategic move- 
ments are known, and preparations made to meet them, referrhig, I presume, to 
Foster's operations. 

There was considerable shelling by the enemy yesterday afternoon all along 
our lines, brought on, I think, by Burnside discovering a camp he had not be- 
fore seen and ordering it shelled. No serious casualties were produced on our 
side, but the 5th corps working parties were very much annoyed and inter- 
rupted. With this exception, all was quiet. 

GEO. G. ilEAUE, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

To which I received the following reply : 

United States M[litary Telegraph, 
Bij telegraph from City Point, 3 f. m., dated July 26, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

The information you have just sent, and all information received on the sub- 
ject, indicates a probability that the enemy are looking for a formidable attack 
either from General Burnside or north of the James river, and that they will 
detach from Petersburg heavily to prevent its success. This will make your 
remaining two corps, with the ISth, relatively stronger against the enemy at 
Rep. No. 114. 4 



50 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Petorsburg than we liave been since the first day. It will be well, therefore, to 
prepare for an assault in General Burnside's front, only to be made if further 
development justifies it. If made it would be necessary to abandon most of the 
front now held by the 5th corps. 

U. S. GRANT, 

Lieutenant General. 
Official copy : 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

There you perceive that the Lieutenant General commanding ordered that 
whilst the 2d corps was across the James river I should immediately make an 
assault with the 9th and 5th, abandoning the line of the 5th corps. In answer 
to that I wrote him the following despatch : 

Headquakters Army of the Potomac, 

5.^0 p.m., July 26, 18G4. 
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant : 

Telegram 3 p. m. received. The only preparation that can be made is the 
loading of Burnside's mine. I cannot advise an assault with the 2d corps ab- 
sent, for some force must be left to hold our lines and protect our batteries. 

The withdrawal of the 5th corps would prevent any attempt on our part to 
silence the fire of the enemy's guns in front of the 5th corps, and unless these 
guns are silenced no advance caw be made across the open ground in front of 
the 9th corps. 

It is not the numbers of the enemy which oppose our taking Petersburg; it is 
their artillery and their works, Avhich can be held by reduced numbers against 
direct assault. 

I have just sent you a despatch indicating an attack on my left flank by the 
enemy. This is my weak point, and a formidable attack turning my flank would 
require all my force to meet successfully. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

That produced a suspension of the order to attack until the return of General 
Hancock. 

The next despatch I received from General Grant Avas as follows : 

United States Military Telegraph, 

By telegraph from City Point, 

12.20^7. 7n., dated July 28, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

Your despatch of 12 m. received. Unless something turns up north of the 
James between this and night that I do not expect, you may withdraw Hancock, 
to be followed by Sheridan, and make ai-rangements for assault as soon as it 
can be made. We can determine by the movements of the enemy before the 
time comes whether it will be advisable to go on with the assault. I will put 
in the 18th corps, or not, as you deem best. 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General. 
Official : 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE UEFORE PETERSBUKG. 51 

Which I answered at 1 p. m., July 2Sth, as follows : 

Headquarters Aijmy of the Potomac, 

1 p. m., July 28, 18G4. 
Lieutenant General Grant : 

Your despatch of 12.20 received. On reflection, I think daylight of the 30th 
is the earliest time it would be advisable to make the assault. Besides the time 
required to get up heavy guns and mortars, we require the night to make cer- 
tain preliminary arrangements, such as massing troops, removing abattis from 
the debouche of the assaulting column, &c. I shall make the assault with tin; 
9th corps, supported by the 2d. The reserves of the 18th should be held in 
readiness to take part, and if developments justify it, all of Ord's and Warren's 
commands can be put in. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

I will here observe that Lieutenant General Grant, in consequence of the ser- 
vice which the 2d corps had performed across the river, desired, and gave me 
directions verbally to that efiect, to use the 18th corps in the assault, and to 
let the 2d corps take the place of the 18th in the line. 

The next despatch I received was the following, dated City Point, July 29th : 

Headquarters Armies of the United States, 

City Poi?it, Va., July 29, 1864. 
General : I have directed General Butler to order General Ord to report to 
you for the attack on Petersburg. The details for the assault I leave to you 
to make out. 

I directed General Sheridan, whilst we were at Deep Bottom last evening, to 
move his command immediately to the left of Warren from Deep Bottom. It 
will be well to direct the cavalry to endeavor to get round the enemy's right 
flank , whilst they will not probably succeed in turning the enemy, they will detain 
a large force to prevent it. I will go out this evening to see you, will be at your 
headquarters about 4 p. m. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GPtANT, Lieutenant G'ucral. 
Official : 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
Major General Geo. G. Meade, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac: 

P. S. If you want to be at any place on the line at the hour indicated, inform 
me by teleg-raph, and I will meet you wherever you may be. 

^ ^ ^ U. S. G. 

General Grant came to my headquarters at 4 p. m. July 29th, and at that 
time I showed him the order for the assault next day, which I had just then 
prepared, and which order met with his perfect approbation : he read the order 
and expressed his satisfaction with it. No other despatches passed between the 
Lieutenant General and myself. 

Next morning between half past three and four o'clock — before four o'clock, 
he arrived on the ground, at General 13urnside's headquarters, and all further 
commiuiications between us were verbal, until August 1st at 11.40 a. m., when 
I received the following despatch : 



52 EXPLOSION OF THE MI.N'E BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



[Cipher, iccfived 11.40 a. m.] 
Bi/ icIcgrapJifrom City Point, 9.30 a. m., dated Atigiist 1, 1864. 
Major Ginieral Meade : 

Have you any estimate of our losses in the miserable foilure of Saturday ] 
I think tlicre will have to be an investigation of the matter. So fair an oppor- 
tunity will probably never occur again for carrying Jbrtifications ; preparations 
were good, orders ample, and everything, so far as I could see subsequent to tlie 
explosion of the mine, shows that almost without loss the crest beyond the mine 
could have been carried ; this would have given us Petersburg with all its artillery, 
and a large part of the garrison beyond doubt. An intercepted despatch states 
that the enemy recaptured their line with General Bartlett and staff, seventy- 
five commissioned officers, and nine hundred rank and file, and recaptured five 
hundred of their men. 

U. S. GRANT, 

Lieutcnaut General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

"VVe had given our respective views concerning the assault, and particularly 
impressed my views M'ith reference to the difficulty to be overcome. When it 
was ascertained that the movement of the 2d corps had drawn over to the north 
bank of the James five of the eight divisions composing General Lee's army, 
together with the information I had obtained that the enemy had no second line 
upon the ridge, but only one or two isolated batteries, I came to the conclusion 
that the explosion of the mine, and the subsequent assault on the crest I had 
every reason to believe would be successful, and would be followed by results 
which would have consisted in the capture of the whole of the enemy's artillery, 
and a greater part of his infantry. 

The plan sketched out by Lieutenant General Grant in his despatch to me, 
which 1 endeavored to carry out, and for the execution of which 1 gave the 
necessary orders, was, that the mine !-hould be exploded as early as possible in the 
morning, before daylight; that in the mean time the 9th corps should be massed 
and formed in assaulting columns ; that ever preparation should be made by re- 
moving the abattis so that the troops could debouche, and particularly the assault- 
ing columns ; that as soon as the mine was exploded, the assaulting columns 
should push forward; that a sufficient proportion should be left to guard the 
flanks of the main column, because they had to look for an attack on the flanks ; 
that the main body should hold the lines during the attempt to gain the crest of 
the hill, and if it was successful, then I intended to throw up the whole of the 
ISth corps to be followed up by the 2d corps, and if necessary by the 5th corps 
also. I do not suppose it is necessary to read the order. I will read it, however. 

ORDERS. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864. 
The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all concerned: 
I. As soon as it is dark, Major General Bin-nside, commanding 9th corps, will 
withdraw his two brigades under General White, occupying the entrenchments 
between the Plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care will 
be taken not to interfere with the troops of the 18th corps moving into their 
position in. rear of the 9th corps. General Burnside will form his troops for as- 
saulting the enemy's works at daylight of the 30th, prepare his parapets and 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE llEFORi:: PETERSBURG. 53 

abattirt for tlio passage of the columns, and have tlie pioneers equipped for work 
in opening passages for artiller}-, destroying enemy's ubattis, &c., and the en- 
trenching tools distributed for eftecting lodgements, &c. 

2. Major General Warren, commanding oth corps, will reduce tlie number of 
his troops holding the entrenchments of his front to the minimum, and concen- 
trate all his available forces on his right, and hold them prepared to support the 
assault of Major General Burnside. The preparations in respect to pioneers, en- 
trenching tools, tfec, enjoined upon the 9th corps, will also be made by the 5th 
corps. 

3. As soon as it is dark Major General Ord, commanding 18th corps, will 
relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott's division of the 2d corps, 
and form his corps in rear of the 9th corps, and be prepared to support the as- 
sault of Major General Burnside. 

4. Every preparation will be made for moving forward the field artillery of 
each corps. 

o. At dark Major General Hancock, commanding 2d corps, will move from 
Deep Bottom, to the rear of the entrenchments now held by the 18th corps, 
resume the command of Mott's division, and be prepared at daylight to foUoAv 
up the assaulting and supporting columns, or fir such other operations as may 
be found necessary. 

6. ]\lajor General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom, to Ijee's Mill, and at daylight Avillmove with 
his whole corps, including Wilson's division, against the enemy's troops defend- 
ing Petersburg on their right by the roads leading to that town from the south- 
ward and westward. 

7. I\Iajor Duane, Acting Chief Engineer, will have the pontoon trains parked 
at convenient points in the rear, prejjared to move. He will see that supplies of 
sand-bags, gabions, fascines, Sec, are in depot near the lines, ready for use. 

He will detail engineer officers for each corps. 

8. At half past three in the morning of the 30th, Major General Burnside will 
spring his mine, and his assaulting columns Avill immediately move rapidly upon 
the breach, seize the crest''in the rear, and efiV-ct a lodgement there. He will be 
followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, directing 
his movement to the crest indicated, and by J\Iajor General Warren, who will 
support him on the left. 

Upon the explosion of the mine, the artillery of all kinds in battery will open 
upon those points of the enemy's works whose fire covers the ground over which 
our columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the progress of our 
troops. 

Sj)ecial instructions respecting the direction of fire will be issued through the 
chief of artillery. 

9. Corps commanders Avill report to the commanding general when their prep- 
arations are complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of the 
operations, and of everything of importance that occurs. 

10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential 
to success, and the commanding general is confident that this indication of his 
expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

11. Headquarters Ciuring the operations will be at the headquarters of the 9t]i 
corps. 

By command of Major General Meade. 



Official 



S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Ass.staiit Adjulujit General. 



54 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Having read to the court the correspondence which passed between the lieu- 
tenant general and myself preliminary to the operations, and having read the 
order for the operations, I now propose to read and accompany with some ex- 
planatory remarks the despatches and con-espondence which passed between 
myself and Major General Burnside, who had the immediate active operations 
to perform; afterwards between myself and Major General Ord, between myself 
and Major General Warren, and between myself and Major General Hancock. 
These despatches, when compared with each other, and in connexion with the 
remarks which I shall make, will show the facts so far as they came to my 
knowledge ; and 1 wish the court to bear in mind, and I desire to call their at- 
tention particularly to the paucity of information which was furnished me by 
Major General Burnside of the operations which were made, and to the difficulty 
that a major general commanding an army like the one I am commanding labors 
under to give direct orders in the ignorance of matters transpiring in the front 
at the immediate scene of operations. 

Before the operations were concluded upon I called upon Major General Burn- 
side to furnish me in writing what he proposed to do in case his mine Avas ex- 
ploded. In response to which I received the following report : 

Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

July 26, 1864. 

General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your notes of this 
morning by Captains Jay and Bache, also a telegram from the commanding 
general relating to the same subject. 

It is altogether probable that the enemy are cognizant of the foct that we are 
mining, because it has been mentioned in their newspapers, and they have been 
heard iQ work in what are supposed to be shafts in close proximity to our gal- 
leries ; but the rain of night before last no doubt filled their shafts and much 
retarded their work. We have heard no sounds of work in them either yester- 
day or to-day, and nothing is heard by us in the mine but the usual sounds of 
work on the surface above. This morning we had some apprehensions that the 
left lateral gallery was in danger of caving in from the weight of the batteries 
above it and the shock of their firing; but all possible precautions have been 
taken to strengthen it, and we hope to preserve it intact. The placing of the 
charges in the mine will not involve the necessity of making a noise. It is 
therefore probable that we will escape discovery, if the mine is to be used within 
two or three days. It is nevertheless highly important, in my opinion, that the 
mine should be exploded at the earliest possible moment consistent with the 
genei al interest of the campaign. I state to you the facts as nearly as I can ; 
and, in the absence of any knowledge as to the meditated movemenlj of the army, 
I must leave you to judge the proper time to make use of the mine; but it may 
not be improper for me to say, that the advantages to be reaped from the work 
would be but small if it were exploded without any co-operative movements. 

My plan would be to explode the mine just before daylight in the morning, 
or about five o'clock in the afternoon ; mass the two brigades of the colored 
division in rear of my line in column of divisions — double column closed in 
mass; the head of each brigade resting on the front line, and as soon as the 
explosion has taken place move them forward, with instructions for the divi.<ions 
to take half-distance; and as soon as the leading regiments of the two brigades 
pass through the gap in the enemy's line, the leading regiment of the right 
brigade to come into line perpendicular to the enemy's line by the right com- 
panies on the right into line, "wheel the left companies on the left into line," 
and proceed at once down the line of the enemy's work as rapidly as possible; 
the leading regiment of the left brigade to execute the reverse movement to the 
left, moving up the enemy's line ; the remainder of the two columns to move 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 55 

directly towards the crest in front as rapidly as possible, diverging in such a 
way as to enable them to deploy into coliunns of regiments, the right column 
making as nearly as may be for Cemetery hill ; these columns to be followed 
bv the other divisions of this corps as soon as they can be thrown ni : this 
w'^ould involve the necessity of relieving these divisions by other troops before 
the movement, and of holding columns of other troops in readiness to take our 
place on the crest, in case we gain it and sweep down it. It would be advisable, 
in my opinion, if we succeed in gaining the crest, to throw the colored division 
ri-ht into the town. There is a necessity for the co-operation, at least in the 
way of artillery, of the troops on my right and left ; of the extent of this you 
will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of success in a plan of this 
kind are more than even. The main gallery of the mine is five hundred and 
twenty- tw(. (522) feet in length ; the side galleries, about forty feet each. My 
suggestion is, that eight magazines be placed in the lateral galleries— two at 
each end, say .a few feet apart, in branches at right angles to the side galleries; 
and two more in each of the side galleries, similarly placed, situated by pairs, 
equidistant from each other and the end of the galleries, thus : 
[See diagram, page 16.] 
Tamping beginning at the termination of the main gallery for, say, one hun- 
dred feet, leaving all the air space in the side galleries. Run out some five or 
six fuses, and two wires, to render the ignition of the charge certain. I pro- 
pose to put in each of the eight magazines from twelve to fourteen hundred 
pounds of powder, the magazines to be connected by a trough of powder mstead 

of a fuse. 1 I,- 4. 

I beg to enclose a copy of a statement from General Potter on the subject. 
I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a wood near our ammuni- 
tion train, about a mile in rear of this place. Lieutenant Colonel Pierce, chief 
quartermaster, will furnish Captain Strand with a guide to the place. 

I beg also to request that General Benham be instructed to send us, at once, 
oio-ht thousand (8,000) sand-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes. 
1 have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 
Major General, Cornmanding. 
Major General HuMPHREYfe, 

Chief ef Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The request made in that letter by Major General Burnside was complied 
with ; that is to say, sand-bags were furnished him ; but the amount ot powder 
asked for, which was twelve thousand pounds, was reduced to eight thousand 
pounds, upon the belief on ray part, and on my engineers, that eight thousand 
pounds would be sufficient for the purpose. 

Another matter in that despatch to which my attention was directed, and 
which was finally the subject of an order on my part, is the suggestion ot 
Major General Burnside to place the colored troops at the head of the assaulting 
column. That I disapproved, and I informed him of my disapproval, which 
was based upon the ground, not that I had any reason to doubt, or any desire 
to doubt the good qualities of the colored troops, but that I desired to impress 
upon Major General Burnside, which I did do in conversations, ot which i 
have plenty of witnesses to evidence, and in every way I could, that the opera- 
tion was to be a coup-de-main, that his assaulting column was to be as a forlorn 
hope, such as are put into breaches, and that he should assault with his best 
troops ; not that I had any intention to insinuate that the colored troops were 



56 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE I5EF0RE PERERSBURG. 

inferior to his best troops, but tliat I understood that they had never beeu ! 
luuler fire, nor that they should not be taken for such a critical operation as this, 
but that he should take such troops as from previous service could be de- 
pended upon as being perfectly reliable. Finding General Burnside very much 
disappointed — for he had made known to General Ferrero and his troops that 
they were to lead in the assault — and fearing that the effect might be injurious, 
and in order to show him that I was not governed by any motive other than 
such as I ought to be governed by, I told him I would submit the natter, with 
his reasons and my objections, to the lieutenant general commanding the armies, 
and I would abide by the decision of the lieutenant general, as to whether it 
was expedient and right for the colored troops to lead th(! assault. Upon re- 
ferring the question to the lieutenant general, commanding, he fully concurred in 
my views, and I accordingly addressed to Major General Burnside, or had ad- 
dressed to him, the following communication : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

101 a. m., July 29, 1864. 
Major General Burnside, commanding 9/7i Corps : 

I am instructed to say that the major general commanding submitted to the 
lieutenant general commanding the armies your proposition to form the lead- 
ing columns of assault of the black troops, and that he, as well as the major 
general commanding, does not approve the pi'oposition, but directs that these 
columns be formed of the white troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of St ajf. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

The next despatches to Major General Burnside were addressed by me at 
9.45 ]). m., July 29, the evening before the action. I had received a despatch 
from General Ord, stating that it would take him till very late to relieve the 
troops in the trenches. 

The following is my despatch to General Burnside : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juhj 29—93 jj, ^n., 1S64. 
Major General Burmside, cojnmanding 9fh Corps : 

A despatch from General Ord refers to the late hour at which his troops will 
relieve yours in the trenches. The commanding general has informed General 
Ord that it is not necessary for you to wait for your troops to be relieved in the 
trenches by General Ord before forming them for the assault. They should be 
formed for the assault at the hour you deem best, without any reference to Gen- 
eral Ord's troops, who will enter the vacated trenches as soon as they can. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

My idea was that General Burnside should form his columns of assault, make 
all his preparations, take all his men out of the trenches, and move forward ; 
and that then General Ord should occupy his trenches in case he should liad it 
necessary to return. No farther despatches passed between General Burnside 
and myself. I think it proper to state, however, that on the day previous to 
the assault I was at General Biirnside's headquarters, and had the good fortune 
to meet his three division commanders, and some conversation passed between 
us, and I would like the court to inquire into what transpired on that occasion, 
because I would like to impress upon the court, as 1 did impress upon General 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 57 

Burnside and his officers, that this operation which we had to perform was one 
purel}^ of time ; that if immediate advantage was not taken of the ex])losion of 
the niiue, and the consef|nent confusion of the enemy, and the crest immediately 
gained, it Avould be impossible to remain there, for that as soon as the enemy 
should recover from their confusion, they would bring their troops and batteries 
to b^^ar upon ua and we would be driven out. That there were two things to be 
done, namely, that we should go up promptly and take the crest; for, in my 
judgment, the mere occupation of the crater and the holding on to that was of 
no possible use to us, because the enemy's line was not such a line as would be 
of advantage for us to hold, except to go from it to the crest, and that the troops 
were to be withdrawn when the assault proved unsuccessful. 

I saw Potter, Ledlie, and Willcox, and I refei-red in the presence of those 
gentlemen to the tactical manoeuvres to be made between that crater and the 
crest — that the only thing to be done was to rush for the crest and take it 
immediately after the explosion had taken place ; and that they might rest 
assured that any attempt to take time to form their troops would result in a 
repulse. 

These were all the despatches that transpired between General Buruside and 
myself before the day of the assault. 

On the morning of the 30th about a quarter past three o'clock, when I was 
about preparing to go forward to General Burnside's headquarters, I found that 
it was very dark, and suggestions being made by some of my officers that it 
was too dark to operate successfully, and that a postponement of the explosion 
of the mine might be advantageous, 1 accordingly addressed a despatch to 
General Burnside to the following effect : 

Headuuartkrs Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 3.20 a. m. 
Major General BcRNSIDE : 

As it is still so dark, the commanding-general says you can postpone firing 
the mine if you think proper. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Cliwf of Sto^ff. 
Official : 

S. F. BAESTOW, A. A. G. 

To that I received the following reply from General Burnside : 

By Telegraph from Ninth Army Corps, 

Dated July 30, 1864—3.20 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys: 

The mine will be fired at the time designated. My headquarters will be at 
the 14 gun battery. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

I then went over to General Burnside's headquarters, he, during these opera- 
tions, being further to the front. The hour had arrived. I stood waiting. I 
heard no report from General Burnside and no explosion of the mine. In the 
mean time Lieutenant General Grant arrived. Finding that there M^as no 

explosion, I sent two staff officers, first Captain Jay, and then , I do 

not recollect the name of the other; but I sent two staff officers to General 
Burnside to ascertain what the difficulty was, if there was any difficulty ; why 
his mine did not explode, if he knew; to which I received no answer. At 4.10 
the following despatch Avas sent to him : 



58 EXPLOSION OF THE MIIsE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—41 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

Is there any difficulty in exploding tlie mine ? It is now three-quarters of an 
hour later than that fixed upon for exploding it 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

And to this I got no answer. 

At 4.20 another despatch was sent to him, as follows : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30i/i, 1864. 
Operator at General Burnside's field headquarters : 

Is General Burnside athis headquarters 1 The commanding general is anxious 
to learn what is the cause of delay. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chitf of Staff, 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

I should have stated before this, that in order to secure the speedy transmis- 
sion of intelligence, I took the precaution to have a telegraph run from my head- 
quarters, in General Burnside's camp, to where General Burnside had established 
his headquarters for the day, in the 14-gun battery. 

The following is the next despatch I sent to General Burnside : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30 — 4.35 a. m., 186 {. 
Major General Burnside : 

If the mine cannot be exploded, something else must be done and at once. 
The commanding general is awaiting to hear from you before determining. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of S'aff'. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

To this I received no reply. Finding that no replies were received, and the 
lieutenant general commanding desiring that an immediate assault should be 
made without reference to the mine, at 4.35 the following despatch was sent to 
General Burnside. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30—4.35 a. m., 1S64. 
Major General Burnside, commanding 9th Corps : 

The commanding general directs that, if your mine has failed, that you make 
an assault at once, opening your batteries. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 59 

The pame orders you will find were sent to General Warren, to General Mott, 
and to General Hunt, to open the ai-tillery. About this time, however, about 
4.40, the mine was exploded. In the mean time Captain Jayre turned, and in- 
formed me that the fuse had failed, that a defect was found, and the fuse had 
been overhauled, about fifty feet or twenty-five feet, I forget the distance, from 
the entrance, that the defect had been ascertained, and remedied, and that finally 
the mine had been exploded. So far as my recollection goes the mine was ex- 
ploded about 4.40 or 4.45. At 5.45 a. m., one hour after the explosion of the 
mine, the following despatch was sent to General Burnside. 

Headquarters Ar.my of the Potomac, 

Julij 30, 1864 — 5.40 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

What news from your assaulting column ? Please report fiequcntly. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following despatch was received from him, apparently in answer to mine, 
although, through a dift'erence in time, it is dated before it : 

By Telegraph from Battery Morton, 

5.40 a. m., dated Julij 30, 1864. 
General Meade: 

We have the enemy's first line and occupy the breach. I shall endeavor to 
push forward to the crest as rapidly as possible. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
P. S. — There is a large fire in Petersburg. 

W. W. SANDERS, 
Captain and A. D. C. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

About this time, 5.45 or 5.50, (I see by reference to the despatch that it is 
5.45,) an orderly came up to me, and delivered me a despatch which, upon 
opening, I found to be a despatch from Colonel Loring, inspector general of 
the 9th corps, written at the crater, and addressed to General Burnside, which 
despatch the orderly, not knowing where to find General Burnside, had brought 
to his old headquarters, where it found me. That despatch, so ftxr as I recollect 
the purport of it, was to the effect that General Ledlie's troops occupied the 
crjiter, but in his (Colonel Loring's) opinion, he feared the men could not be 
induced to advance beyond. That despatch was telegraphed to General Burn- 
side, and sent to him by an officer, so that I have no copy of it. That was the 
substance of it, however. It was shown to General Grant and General Hum- 
phreys, both of whom can give their recollection of it in confirmation of mine. 
It is an important matter to be taken into consideration here, that as early as 
5.45 a. m. a despatch was placed in my hands stating that General Ledlie's 
troops could not be induced to advance. 

In addition to that, the following despatch was sent to him : 



60 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUEG. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1S64— 5.40 a. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps: 

The commanding general learns that your troops are halting at the Avorks 
where the mine exploded. He directs that all your troops be pushed forward 
to the crest, at once. Call on General Ord to move forward his troops at once. 

A. A. HUMPHEEYS, 
Major General and Chief oj" i^taff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Fearing there might be some difficulty on the part of General Burnside's 
troops, I thought it possible that by another corps going in on his right, encour- 
agement might be given to his men, and a prompt assault might be made. 

The next despatch I received was from an aide-de-camp, whom I had sent to 
General Burnside's headquarters to advise me of what was going on. It is 
dated 5.50, and is from Captain Sanders : 

By Telegraph from Headquarters, 14-Gun Battery, 

July 30, 1864 — 5.50 a. m. 
Major General Meade: 

The ISth corps has just been ordered to push forward to the crest. The loss 
does not appear to be heavy. Prisoners coming in. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain and C. M. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The next despatch that I will read is one addressed to General Burnside, at 
6 a. m. : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 6 a. m. 
3Iajor General Burnside : 

Prisoners taken say there is no line in their rear, and that their men were 
falling back when ours advanced ; that none of their troops have returned from 
the James. Our chance is now. Push your men forward at hazards — white 
and black — and don't lose time in making formations, but rush for the crest. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 
Major General, Commanding. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW. 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Despatches were at this time also sent to Generals Ord and Warren. You 
can keep these dates in your mind. 

The next despatch was received from Captain Sanders, at 6.10 a. m., as fol- 
lows : 



EXPLOSION OF TEE MINE BEFORE FETERSBURG. 61 



By Tklegraph from Headquarters 14-Gun Battery, 

Jidij 30, 1864—6.10 a. m. 
General Meade : 

General Burnside says that he has given orders to all his division commanders 
to push everything in at once. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Co 2) tain and C. M. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following despatches are next in order : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30—6.05 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside, c.ommandiyig 9th Corps: 

The commanding general wishes to know what is going' on on your left, and 
whether it would be an advantage for Warren's supporting force to go in at 
once. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

[Telegraph from heaclquartcrs 9tb corps.] 

Dated July 30—6.20 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

If General Warren's supporting force can be concentrated just now, ready to 
go in at the proper time, it would be well. I will designate to you when it 
ought to move. There is scarcely room for it now in our immediate front. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army Potomac, 

July 30—6.50 a. 7n., 1864. 
Major General Burmside : 

Warren's force has been concentrated, and ready to move since 3.30 a. m. 
My object in inquiring was to ascertain if you could judge of the practicability 
of his advancing without waiting for your column. What is the delay in your 
column moving 1 Every minute is most precious, as the enemy undoubtedly 
are concentrating to meet you on the crest, and if you give them time enough, 
you cannot expect to succeed. There is no object to be gained in occupying 
the enemy's line. It cannot be held under their artillery lire without much 
labor in turning it. The great point is to secure the crest at once, and at all 
hazards. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



62 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

At seven a. m. Lieutonant General Grant put into my hand a despatch from 
Colonel Comstock, an oiHeer -whom he had sent to see the progress of opera- 
tions : 

[By telegraph from 5th army corps.] 

July 30 — 7 a. m., 1864. 
Lieut. General Grant : 

Several regiments of Biirnside's men are lying in front of the crater, apparent- 
ly, of the mine. In their rear is to be seen a line of battle of a brigade or more, 
under cover, and I think between the enemy's line and ours. The volley firing 
half (^) hour ago was from the enemy's works in Warren's front. 

C. B. COMSTOCK, 

Lieutenant Colonel. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

I read all these despatches over, that you may see how I was situated on the 
occasion, and what I knew of what was going on. 

At 7.20, twenty minutes afterwards, I got the following despatch from 
General Burnside : 

[Telegraph from headquarters 9(h corps ] 

Received about 7.20 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

I am doing all in my power to push the troops forward, and, if possible, we 
will carry the crest. It is hard work, but we hope to accomplish it. I am fully 
alive to the importance of it. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Upon the receipt of this despatch from General Burnside, informing me that 
it was hard work to take the crest, at the same time he not having reported to 
me that anybody had attempted to take it, or that any part of his force had 
made any effort to take it ; with the despatches from my officei'S, the despatch 
from Colonel Loring, and the despatch from Colonel Comstock, to the effect 
that the troops were lying there, I came to the conclusion that possibly there 
might be some difficulty in getting the men to move forward, either ft-om the 
enemy's fire, or some imaginary obstacle the troops had to encounter; that, as 
it was now 7 o'clock, and that the place had been occupied at 5.30, I began to 
suppose that there Avas some reason for the delay whicli had not been officially 
reported. I considered it natural that General Burnside would be indisposed 
to make it known, so long as he had hopes of overcoming the difficulty. To 
me, in my position as major general commanding the army, it was a matter of 
the utmost importance, because it was my intention during the assault, and be- 
fore it, that if we could not carry the crest promptly by a coup-de-main, to 
withdraw the troops as quickly and safely as possible. Impressed with this 
view, and in order to get at the exact condition of affairs, and to justify General 
Burnside, if there was any reason of that kind, I addressed him the following 
despatch : 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 63 

Headquarters Armv of the Potomac, 

7.30 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

Wliat do you mean by hard work to take the crest? I xmderstand not a man 
has advanced beyond the enemy's line which you occupied immediately after 
exploding the mine. Do you mean to say your officers and men will not obey 
your orders to advance , if not, what is the obstacle ? I wish to know the truth, 
and desire an immediate answer. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. r. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

It is proper to say, that immediately after sending that despatch, and before 
receiving General Burnside's answer, I received a report verbally from Captain 
Sanders, that an attempt had been made to make an attack on the right, I 
think by General Griffin, and that he had been repulsed. I immediately sent 
another despatch to General Burnside at 8 a. m., as follows : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juhj 30—8 a. m., 1864. 
To Major General Burnside: 

Since writing by Captain Jay, Captain Sanders has come in and reported 
condition of affairs. He says Griffin has advanced and been checked ; this 
modifies my despatch. Still I should like to know the exact morale of your 
corps. Ord reports he carmot move till you get out of the way. Can't you 
lot hira pass out on your right, and let him try what he can do ? 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. E. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

To the first of these two despatches, subsequent to sending the second, I re- 
ct ived this reply : 

Headquarters 9th Corps, Battery Morton, 

About 7.35 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

Your despatch by Captain Jay received. The main body of General Potter'a 
division is beyond the crater. I do not mean to say that my officers and men 
will not obey my orders to advance ; I mean to say that it is very hard to ad- 
vance to the crest. 

I have never in any report said anything different from which I conceived to 
be the truth ; were it not insubordinate, 1 would say that the latter remark of 
your note was unofficerlike and ungcntlemanly. 
Respectful! vj yours, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The next despatch that I received was one from Colonel Comstock, about the 
same time, 8 a. m. : 



64 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE Br.FORE PETERSBURG. 

[By telegraph from 5th army corps.] 

8 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
To Lieutenant General Grant: 

About a brigade more of our men has moved up to the crater, and then filed 
oflf to the right along the enemy's line ; they are still moving to the right. 

C. B. COMSTOCK, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The next despatch I received was one dated SA5 a, m., from Captain San- 
ders : 

[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

8.45 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
To General Meade : 

One gun has just been taken out of the mine, and is now being put in posi- 
tion. Have not heard anything from the attack made from the left of mine. 
One (1) set of colors just sent in, captured by the negroes. 

W. W. SANDERS, 
Captain and Aide-de-Camp. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

At 9 a. m. I received the following despatch from Genei'al Burnside : 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

9 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

Many of the ninth (9th) and eighteenth (18th) corps are retiring before the 
enemy. I think now is the time to put in the fifth (5th) corps promptly. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

That was the first information I had received that there was any collision 
with the enemy, or that there was any enemy present. At 9.30 a. m. the fol- 
lowing despatch was sent to General Burnside: 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—9.30 a. m. 
Major General Burxside, commanding 9th Corps: 

The major general commanding has heard that the result of your attack has 
been a repulse, and directs that if, in your judgment, nothing further can be 
effected, that you withdraw to your own line, taking every pi'ccaution to get the 
men back safely. 



General Ord will do the same. 
Official : 



A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General and Cliiif of Staff. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General and Chief of Staff. 

S.F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant GcnevJ- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 65 

Then I received the following despatch from Captain Sanders : 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

9 a.m., July 30, 1864. 
To Major General Meade : 

The attack made on right of mine has been repulsed. A great many men 
are coming to the rear. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain and C. M. 

Official: S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assista7it Adjutant General. 

The next despatch was this, from Colonel Comstock : 
[By telegraph.] 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 30, 1864— 9.35 a. m. 
To Lieutenant General Grant : 

I cannot see that we have advanced beyond the enemy's line in the vicinity 
of the mine. From here, it looks as if the enemy were holding a line between 
that point and the crest. 

C. B. COMSTOCK, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. 

Official: S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The next despatch to General Burnside, at 9.45, was the peremptory order to 
withdraw : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 9f a. m., 1864. 
To Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps: 

The major general commanding directs that you withdraw to your own in- 
trenchments. 

A. A, HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 

Official: S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Receiving information from some person— I don't know who it was — that 
there was some difficulty about withdrawing at that time, that the safety of the 
column might be jeopardized by undertaking to withdraw it, the following 
despatch was sent to General Burnside, and also to General Ord, who had troops 
there at that time. None of my despatches to General Ord have been presented 
yet, because it would have confused matters. I will read them hereafter : 

Headquarters Army of the Potoma(^ 

July 30, 10 a. m., 1864. 
Major Generals Burnside and Ord : 

You can exercise your discretion in withdrawing your troops now or at a 
later period, say to-night. It is not intended to hold the enemy's line which 
you now occupy any longer than is required to withdraw safely your men. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major Gmie.al. 

Official: ' S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
Rep. No. 114—5 



6Q EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

About that time, botli Major General Burnside and Major G-eneral Ord came 
to the headquarters where General Grant and myself were temporarily located. 
General Burnside seemed to be very much displeased at the order of withdrawal, 
and expressed the opinion that if allowed to remain there, by nightfall he could 
carry that ci-est. As, however, he did not give any reason to show how he 
could take it, and as he had been from half past five in the morning till nearly 
ten, and not only had not taken it, but had his men driven out of the works he 
had been occupying, and as Major General Ord, whose troops were also there, 
upon being asked if the crest could be carried, answered very positively that 
it was entirely out of the question, it was determined by the Lieutenant General 
commanding and myself, or rather I referred the matter to him, to know if he 
desired the orders changed ; it was determined that no further attempt should 
be made to take the crest, but that the men should be withdrawn whenever that 
could be done with security. 

There is now a very important point to which I will call the attention of the 
court, and which I want investigated very thoroughly, and that is the with- 
drawal from the crater. 

At the time the order was given to withdraw the troops, the report of Major 
General Ord was, that the crater of the mine was so overcrowded with men 
that it would be nothing but murder to send any more men forward there. I 
do not recollect as to whether the report of Major General Burnside was so de- 
finite, but I believe the report of Colonel Loring Avas that there was at least one 
division of the troops in there. The impression left upon my mind was that at 
that time there were as many men in the crater as would enable them to defend 
themselves if attacked, and in case no defence was necessary there was no occasion 
on my part to order troops to be sent there. I presumed that Major General 
Ord and Major General Burnside, having charge of that operation, would see 
that the men would be properly withdrawn. 

This conclusion having been arrived at by the Lieutenant General and myself, 
and it not appearing necessary that we should remain any longer at Major 
General Burnside's headquarters, the Lieutenant General commanding withdrew 
to City Point and I withdrew to my former headquarters, where I was in tele- 
graphic communication with Major General Burnside, and where, under the 
common correspondence between a general ofiicer commanding the army and 
his subordinates, not to say under a peculiar exigency, I expected to be in- 
formed of anything that should occur. I remained in total ignorance of any 
further transactions imtil about six or seven o'clock in the evening. About that 
hour a report, or a rumor, reached me that there were a number of our wounded 
men lying between the crater and our line, and I think an appeal was made to 
me by General Ord if something could not be done to remove these men. I 
was not aware that there was any difficulty in the way of removing them, and 
wondered why they had not been removed, presuming that our men were in the 
crater, and as no report had been made to me that they had been witlnlrawn, 
I directed a despatch to be sent to Major General Burnside, calling upon him 
for information. That despatch read as follows : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

J% 30, 1864—7.40 /?. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

The major general commanding desires to know whether you still hold the 
crater; and if so, whether you will be able to withdraw your troops from it 
safely to-night; and also to bring off the wounded. The commanding general 
wishes to know how many wounded are probably lying there. It will be recol- 
lected that on a former occasion General Beauregard declined to enter into any 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 67 

arrangement for the succor of the wounded and the burial of tlie dead lying 
under both fires : hence the necessity of immediate and active efforts for their 
removal in the present case. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staif. 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

You will remember that I left General Burnside's headquarters about 10 
o'clock, with the understanding that the troops were to be withdrawn when they 
could be withdrawn with security. 

The following despatches were subsequently read by the witness : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—10.35 p. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding ^tli Corps : 

The major general commanding desires to know whether you have any 
wounded left on the field ; and directs me to say that he is awaiting your reply 
to the despatch of 7.40 p. m. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief oj" Staff". 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 31, 1864— S.40 a. m. 
To Mcijor General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

The major general commanding directs me to call your attention to the fact 
that you have made no report to him upon the condition of affairs in your front 
since he left your headquarters yesterday, and that you have made no reply to 
the two special communications upon the subject sent you last night at 7,40 p. 
m., and at 10.40 p. m. 

I am also directed to inquire into the cause of these omissions. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff . 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters, 9th Corps, 

July 31, 1864—9 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

Your despatch was received just as I was making out a report of our casual- 
ties. I have used every means to get something like accurate reports, but it 
has been difficult. 

The rumors are very numerous and exaggerated. I will send report by mes- 
senger. The order to retreat caused great confusion, and we have lost largely 
in prisoners. 

General Ord's men on our lines were not relieved. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



G8 EXPLOSION OF TilE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



BV TF.LEGKAPH FROM HEADQUARTERS, 9TH CoRPS, 

July 31, 1864—6.40^. m. 
Major General Huaiphreys : 

The loss in this corps in the engagement of yesterday amounts to about 4 500 ; 
the great proportion of which was made after the brigade commanders in the 
crater were made aware of the order to withdraw, 

A. E. BUENSIDE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 31, 1864— 7.20 p. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding %tli Corps: 

Your despatch relative to the loss in your corps yesterday is received. 
The commanding general requests that you will explain the meaning of the 
latter part of your despatch, and again reminds you that he has received no re- 
port whatever from you of what occurred after 11 a. m. yesterday. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS. 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutmit General. 

By Telegraph from 9th Corps, 

July 31, 1864— 9.10 7?. m. 
Major General Humphreys, Chief of Staff: 

Your despatch of 7.20 p. m. received. Just before the order for withdrawal 
was sent in to the brigade commanders in the crater, the enemy made an attack 
upon our forces there and were repulsed with very severe loss t3 the assaulting 
column. The order for withdrawal, leaving the time and manner of the execu- 
tion thereof to the brigade commanders on the spot, was sent in, and while they 
were making arrangements to carry out the order the enemy advanced another 
column of attack. The officers knowing they were not to be supported by other 
troops, and that a withdrawal was determined, ordered the men to retire at once 
to our old line. It was in this withdrawal, and consequent upon it, that our 
chief loss was made. In view of the want of confidence in their situation, and 
the certainty of no support, consequent upon the receipt of such an order, of 
which moral effect the general commanding cannot be ignorant, I am at a loss 
to know why the latter part of my despatch requires explanation. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army op the Potomac, 

July 31, 1864— 9^ 7;. 7n. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

Your despatch explanatory of that in relation to the loss in your corps yes- 
terday is received. 

The major general commanding directs me to say that the order for with- 
drawal did not authorize or justify its being done in the manner in which, judg- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 69 

ing from your brief report, it appears to liave been executed, and that tbe matter 
shall be investigated by a court. 

The major general commanding notices that the time and manner of with- 
drawal was left to the brigade commanders on the spot. He desires to know 
why there was not a division commander present where several brigades were 
engaged, and by whom the withdrawal could have been conducted. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff . 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

So far as any information from General Burnside is concerned, I had to go 
to bed that night without knowing whether his troops were in the crater, or 
whether they were not. During the night despatches were received, referring 
to the relief of General Ord's troops next morning, July 31, at 8.40 and 9 a. m. 
The despatches 18J and 18.J were sent and received by General Humphreys. 
No despatch was received from General Burnside with reference to the with- 
drawal of these troops till 6.40 p. m., July 31, (marked 18f,) to which was 
sent the one marked 19, at 9.10 p. m., July 31. The despatch was received 
from General Burnside marked 19^, and the reply marked 20 was sent. Now, 
I beg leave to call the attention of the court to the fact that this despatch is 
dated 9.10 p. m., July 31, and although it does not give an official statement of 
the time of the withdrawal of the troops, I know, but only from other informa- 
tion, that the withdrawal was at about 2 p. m., July 30. And as I consider 
that my conduct is here the subject of investigation as much as that of any 
other officer or man engaged in this enterprise, I wish to repudiate, distinctly, 
any responsibility resting upon me for the manner of the withdrawal, beyond 
the orders I gave to the effect that the troops were to be withdrawn when they 
could be withdrawn with security; and if they had been able to repulse an at- 
tack of the enemy, it seems to me rather extraordinary that when another at- 
tack was threatened after the success, that they should be withdrawn simply 
because they were threatened with another attack. But that is the point to 
which I wish to call the attention of the court, and which I wish to have thor- 
oughly investigated. 

i believe these constitute the sum and substance of all the orders that passed 
between myself and Major General Burnside. But 1 respectfully submit to 
this court that so far as it was in my power as the commanding general of this 
army to giA^e orders, I anticipated the difficulties that occurred, and endeavored 
to avoid them as much as I could do so, an-d that I cannot be held responsible 
for the failure which afterwards resulted. 

Having finished my correspondence with and orders to General Burnside, I 
now propose to read the correspondence with and orders to General Ord, who 
was the officer commanding the force next to be employed after those of Gen- 
eral Burnside, and whose movements it is important to know. 

Major General Ord was directed to relieve his corps by General Mott's divi- 
sion of the 2d corps on the evening of the 29th. He was then to move and 
mass his troops in rear of the 9th corps, and it was intended that he should 
support the 9th corps whenever the 9th corps had effected a lodgment on the 
crest ; that he was promptly to move up to them and support them on the crest. 
I had several interviews with General Ord on the 28th and 29th. I went with 
liim and showed him the position ; showed him exactly the ground ; gave him all 
the information I had, and also caused him to send staff officers to select positions 
for the troops, so that Avhen it became dark they might know the roads. Ou 
the morning of July 30, when it became evident to uiy mind that General Burn- 
side's troops were not going to advance further than the crater, and when I had 



70 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

reason to suppose it was owing to some difficulty on the part of the troops them- 
.seivts, and, «o far as any official report came to nie, rather than obstacles pre- 
sented by the enemy, I sent a despatch to General Ord. changing his previous 
orders and directing him instead of supporting General Burnside to make an 
assault independent of General Burnside. That despatch and subsequent des- 
patches are as follows : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 9^p.?n., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding IStk Corps : 

Your despatch of 9.25 p. m. is received. The commanding general docs not 
consider it necessary for General Burnside to wait for your troops to relieve his 
in the trenches. General Burnside can form his troops for the assault without 
reference to yours, and your troops can file into the trenches at any time after 
they are vacated. General Burnside is telegraphed to that effect. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 4.50 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding \^th Corps: 

General Burnside is ordered, if his mine has failed, to open all his batteries 
and assault at once. You will consider the orders the same as if the mine had 
exploded and the assault made in consequence. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
J^ajor General, Chief of Staff. 



(Just before this was finished the mine exploded and the batteries opened. 
It was not sent. — A. A. H.) 

Official copy: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6 a. m., 1S64. 
Major General Ord, Commanding ISth Corps: 

The major general commanding directs that.you at once move forward your 
corps rapidly to the crest of the hill, independently of General Burnsidt;'s 
troops, and make a lodgment there, reporting the result as soon as attained. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

July 30, 8 a. ra., 1864. 
To General Meade : 

General Turner in my front-reports that the only place I can get out of the 
line is opposite the crater. It is already full of men who cannot develop. I 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 71 

shall put in my column as soon as I can. It is impossible, by reason of the 
topography, to charge in the manner you indicate. I must go in by head of 
column, and develop to the right. This is reply to orders from General Meade 
to push for crest of hill regardless of General Burnside's troops. General Ames 
makes similar reports. 

E. 0. C. ORD, 
Major General. 

Official copy: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 9f a.m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding ISth Corps: 

The major general commanding directs that you withdraw your corps to the 
rear of the 9th corps, in some secured place. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 

Official copy: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 10 a. m., 1864. 
Major Generals Burnside and Ord: 

You can exercise your discretion in withdrawing your troops now or at a later 
period, say to-night. 

It is not intended to hold the enemy's line which you now occupy any longer 
than is required to withdraw safely your men. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

There were some other despatches to General Ord of a similar character, (but 
I do not see them here,) to endeavor to get him forward independent of the ninth 
corps, to make an isolated attack, an attack of his own, independent of the ninth 
corps. Owing to the obstacles presented — the fact that there was no proper de- 
bouche for our troops to that portion of the enemy's line, and the fact that the crater 
was overcrowded with men — General Ord, considering those obstacles insur- 
mountable, confined his operations to sending forward, I think, only one brigade. 
But General Ord and his division commanders have made reports, which will be 
placed before you. I forgot to bring them with me to-day. 

At about 9.45 a. m. the same orders were sent to General Ord as to General 
Burnside, with reference to the withdrawal of the troops. That finishes all that 
passed between General Ord and myself. 

The other supporting column was iinder Major General Warren on the left. 

In the original order General Warren was directed to mass his available 
troops on the right of the line, and to make all his preparations to support 
General Bui-nside in the assault wherever he should be ordered. 



72 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

At 4.40 a. m. the following despatch was sent to him : 

Headquartebs Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 4.40 a.m., 1864. 
Major General "Warren, Commanding 5lh Corps: 

General Burnside is directed, if his mine has failed, to open all his batteries 
and assault. Upon hearing his batteries open you will open all in your front. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of StaJ. 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

At 5.50, one hour afterwards, and immediately after ray receiving the infor- 
mation that General Burnside's corps occupied the crater, the following despatch 
was sent to him : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 5.50 a. m., 1864. 

Major General Warren, Commanding 5th Corps : 

General Burnside is occupying the crater with some of his troops. He re- 
ports that no enemy is seen in their line. How is it in your front 1 Are the 
enemy in force there or weak ? 

If there is apparently an opportunity to carry their works, take advantage 
of it and push forward your troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

I wish to call the attention of the court to the fact that as early as 5 50 I 
authorized General Warren, if he saw any opportunity of doing anything with 
his corps, not only in support of General Burnside but as an independent ope- 
ration of his own, that he should take advantage of it and push forward his 
troops. His reply, dated 6 a. m., is as follows : 

[By telegraph- from 5th army corps.] 

July 30, 6 a. m., 1864. 
To Major General Humphreys : 

Your despatch just received. It is difficult to say how strong the enemy may 
be in my front. He has batteries along the whole of it. I will watch for the 
first opportunity. I can see the whole line where I am. The enemy has been 
running from his first line in front of General Burnside's right for some minutes, 
but seem to be a very heavy line of troops just behind it in high breastwork. 
There is a battery in front of General Burnside's left which fires towards the 
river, the same as it did un the 18th of June, and which our artillery fire has 
but very little efi'ect on. 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copv: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
, Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 73 

At 6.15 a. m,, another despatch was received from him as follows : 
[By telegraph from headquarters 5th army corps.] 

July 30, 6.15 a. m., 1864. 
To Major General Humphreys: 

I have just received a report from my line on the centre and left. The enemy 
opened with musketry when our firing commenced, hut our own fire kept down, 
and also that of all their artillery except in the second line on the main ridge, from 
which they fire a little. Major Fitzhugh of the artillery is badly wounded by 
a musket ball in the thigh. None of the enemy have left my front that we 
can see. 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Ofiicial copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Then at 6.20 another despatch. No. 29, came from General Warren, in which 
he states that what we thought was a heavy line of the enemy behind the line 
occupied by Buruside's troops, as the sunlight comes out and the smoke clears 
away, proves to be our own troops in the enemy's position. 

[By telegraph from 5th army coi-ps.] 

July 30, 6.20 a. m., 1864. 
To Major General Humphreys : 

What we thought was the heavy line of the enemy behind the line occupied 
by General Buruside, proves, as the sunlight comes out and the smoke clears 
away, to be our own troops in the enemy's position. 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

You will perceive that at 5.40 I authorized General Warren and directed him 
to make an attack without waiting for the support of General Burnside, that is 
if circumstances would justify his making an attack; and that his replies here 
indicate that no such attack was practicable. Coming to that conclusion and 
receiving infurmation from the signal officers that the enemy had left their extreme 
right, which I presumed they would do, to mass on the centre to receive our at- 
tack, the following despatch was sent to General Warren at half past six 
o'clock : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6.30 a.m., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding ^tli Coi-ps: 

The signal officer reports that none of the enemy's troops are visible in their 
works near the lead works. The commanding general wishes, if it is practi- 
cable, that you make an attack in that direction. Prisoners say there are but 
three divisions in the works and but one line of iutrenchments thinly filled 
with their troops. 

4. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 



74 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

A despatch just going to Wilson to make a lodgment on the Weldon railroad 
and move up along it to the enemy's right flank. 

Official copy : 

F. S. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, 

July 30, 6.40 a. m., 1864. 
General Humphreys : 

I have all my troops on my right except General Crawford. I have sent him 
your despatch with directions to do whatever he can on the left with Baxter's 
brigade and half of Leslie's. 

Do you mean for me to move Ayres in that direction ? The enemy have a 
30 pounder battery on the main ridge in my front behind their first line. We 
cannot make out what his second line is. 

Respectlully, G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 7 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding 5th Corps: 

What about attacking the enemy's right flank near the lead works with that 
part of your force nearest to it ? 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 



Official: 



S. T. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



The next despatch in order is the following, dated 7.30 a. m., to General 
Warren : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 71 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding bth Corps: 

Your despatch respecting attacking the enemy's extreme right received. The 
general commanding will await General Crawford's reconnoissance before de- 
termining whether you should send Ayres also in that direction. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff'. 
Official : 

. S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

General Ayres still remained on the right, and the orders still existed to do 
anything with him that could be done to advantage. At 7.50 a. m. we have 
the next despatch from General Warren : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 30, 7.50 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

I have just returned from the scene of General Burnside's operations. In my 
opinion the battery of one or two guns to the left of General Burnside should be 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 75 

taken before attempting to seize the crest. It seems to me it can be done, as 
we shall take lhe infantry fire quite obliquely. This clone the advance upon 
the main hill will not be difiicult. I think it would pay you to go to General 
Burnside's position. You can see in a moment, and it is as easy to communicate 
with me as by telegraph. 

It will be some time before we can hear from Crawford, 
Respectfully, 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Nothing further was received while we awaited developments from General 
Crawford until 8 a. m., when the following despatch was received from General 
Warren : 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

8 a. m. July 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys: 

I sent your despatch to General Crawford with directions to do what he could. 
He says the lead works are over a mile from the angle of my picket line. I do 
not think an attack upon the enemy's works at or near that point at all practi- 
cable. With the force I can spare, I can make a demonstration if it is desired; 
the cavalry are moving and I will have my left uncovered. He sent word he 
will await further orders. He is so far off that I do not think it well to wait 
for anything more he can do, and I renew my suggestion that you take a look 
at things from General Burnside's headquarters and direct me either to go in 
with Burnside or go around to my left with Ayres's division and I do the other 
thing. 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Notwithstanding that it was considered that General Warren's original order 
authorized him to take the batteries if it could be done, inasmuch as he was 
directed to move and attack with General Crawford, and as it was suggested 
that General Ayres might be required, it was thought proper to send him the 
following order at 8f a. m. : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

8f a. VI. July 30, 1864. 
Major General Warren, Co77imandivg 5th Corps: 

Your despatch is received. The major general commanding directs that you 
go in with JBurnside, taking the two gun battery. T'he movement on the left 
need not be carried further than reconnoissance to see in what force the enemy 
is holding his right. The cavalry are ordered to move up on your left and to 
keep up connection. 

A, A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S, F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



76 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

At 9.15 a. m. the following despatch was received from General Warren : 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

9.15 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

Just before receiving your despatch to assault the battery on the left of the 
crater occupied by General Burnside, the enemy drove his troops out of the 
place and I think now hold it. I can find no one who knows for certainty or 
seems willing to admit, but I think I saw a rebel battle-flag in it just now and 
shots coming from it this way. I am therefore, if this is true, no more able to 
take the battery now than I was this time yesterday. All our advantages are 
lost. I await further instructions, and am trying to get at the condition of affairs 
for certainty. 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

At this time the conclusion had been arrived at by the Lieutenant General 
Commanding and myself that the affair was over, and that nothing more could 
be done ; and soon afterwards, orders similar to those which were sent to others 
were sent to General Warren, that he should not make any attempt to take the 
two gun battery. The following despatches were sent to General Warren : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

9.25 a. m. July 30, 1864. 
Major General Warren : 

The attack ordered on the two gun battery is suspended. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 5th Corps, 

July 30, 1864—9.45 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys, Chief of Staff: 

General : I find that the flag I saw was the enemy's, and that they have 
reoccupied all the line we drove them from, except a little around the crater 
which a small force of ours still hold. 
Respectfully, 

G . K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—9.45 a. m. 
General Warren, at 9th Corps Headquarters : 

A despatch has been sent to your headquarters, rescinding order to attack; 
all offensive operations are suspended. You can resume your original position 
with your command. 

GEORGE G. MEADE. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 77 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864— 5 j9. vi. 
Major Generals Warren and Burnside : 

Signal officers report the enemy returning rapidly from the north side of the 
James. Every preparation slioiild be made to strengthen the line of works 
where any obstacles have to-day been removed. The lines should be held 
strongly with infantry and artillery, posted wherever practicable — available 
reserves held in hand ready for movement in case it becomes necessary. I an- 
ticipate offensive movements on the part of the enemy, and expect it will be by a 
movable column, turning our left and threatening our rear. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major General Commanding. 
Major General Hancock will, to-night, resume his former position and Gen- 
eral Ord his also. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

These are all the orders and communications that passed between General 
Warren and myself. He was authorized to attack, if he could see a good chance 
to attack; when he reported no chance to attack, and was asked what force he 
had available, he reported that he had no force available except he moved Ayres ; 
he was directed not to move Ayres until information was received from Crawford ; 
only, if he could attack the two gun battery in his front, he was ordered to at- 
tack it, and then tbe operations were subsetpently suspended. 

Now I have read you the communications that passed between myself and 
General Grant, myself and General Burnside, myself and General Ord, and my- 
self and General Warren. It now remains for me to read the communications, 
that passed between myself and General Hancock, and myself and General 
Mott. 

The first was a communication sent at 4.40 a. m. to General Mott. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—4.40 a. m. 

Brigadier General Mott, Commavdintg Division in Intrcnchments of V^tJi 
Corps, Old Headquarters of l^th Corps: 

General Burnside is ordered, if his mine has foiled, to open all the batteries 
on his front and assault at once. 

Upon hearing his batteries open, have all the batteries of the 18th corps 
opened. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General, Chief of Staff. 

Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

At 4.50 a. m. the following despatch was sent to the telegraph operator at 
the headquarters of the 18th corps: 



78 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. i 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, I 

Julr/ 30 — 4.50 a. m. 
Operator at Headquarters IStk Corps: 

Send the following message by orderly to Greneral Hancock : 
Major General Hancock, Commanding 2d Corps: 

The commanding general wishes you to be about the headquarters of the 18th 
corps, so that he can communicate with you at any time. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chit f of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following- despatch, dated July 30, 6 a. m., was sent to General Hancock, 
after the mine was occupied : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 6 a. m. 
Major General Hancock, Commanding 2d Corps: 

The major general commanding directs me to say that General Burnside 
reports the enemy's line in his front abandoned, and the prisoners taken say 
that there is no second line. The commanding general may call on you to 
move forward at any moment, and wishes you to have your troops well up to 
the front prepared to move. Do the enemy's lines in front of Mott's divis- 
ion appear to be thinly occupied, and is there any chance to push forward there? 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOAY, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following despatches were sent and received : 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Army Corps, 

July 30, 1864 — 6 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

It is not possible to say about the line in front of General Mott, as both keep 
doAvn firing Avhenever a head is shown. General Ord left Avord for me by Gen- 
eral Mott that there was no place to assault here, as the line was not only pro- 
tected by abattis but by wire. This was the decision of himself and his divis- 
ion commanders, and he requested General Mott so to inform me. I know 
nothing more about it. I will be prepared for your orders. 

W. S. HANCOCK. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

July 30, 1864—6.20 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys, Chief of Staff: 

I have sent out to have General Mott's line examined as far as practicable, to 
see how strong the enemy appear to hold their line in Gener;i] Mott's front. 

W. S. HANCOCK. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 79 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

6.30 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : . 

I have directed General Mott to advance a skirmisli line to see whetlier the 
enemy hold a strong line in his front. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

6.50 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Gbo. G. Meade : 

The brigade next to General Burnside's attempted an advance of a skirmish 
line just now and lost the officer in command of the line and several men in 
getting over the parapet. The enemy's mortars are at work, but they cannot 
fire much artillery other than this. The other brigades have not yet been heard 
from. Your despatch is just received. I will continue to watch the enemy in 
my front. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 

Official copy: S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

7 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Hancock : 

The report from prisoners would indicate weakness in the enemy's line, that 
a considerable portion has been vacated. 

If Burnside and Ord gain the crest, the enemy cannot hold in your front, 
for they will be open to attack from front and rear. It was to take advantage 
of this contingency that I wanted you to have your troops in hand. 

The orders to Mott are all right. If the enemy are in force and prepared, 
you will have to await developments ; but if you have reason to believe their 
condition is such that an effort to dislodge them would be successful, I would 
like to have it made. Burnside now occupies their line, but has not pushed up 
to the crest, though he reports he is about doing so. 

GEO. G. MEADE. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

7 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Humphreys, Chief of Staff: 

Report from 2d brigade General Mott's division shows that the enemy are 
there in some strength, having two batteries which they fire seldom, owing to the 
close proximity of our riflemen. The commanding officer of the brigade says 
he can see every man who leaves his front to their right, and none have left 
since daylight. He is using mortars effectively. I will report any change of 
troops. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 

Official copy: S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



80 EXPLOSIOX OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

By Telegraph froiM Heapquarters 2d Army Corps, 

9 a. m., July 30, 1864, 
Major General Humphreys : 

General Mott's remaining brigade deceived the enemy in their front by put- 
ting their hats on rammers above the parapet, which elicited quite a spirited 
volley. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

9.25 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Hancock : 

Offensive operations have been suspended. You will for the present hold in 
force the lines held by the IStli corps. Make your dispositions accordingly. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 
Major General Commanding. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864 — 10 a. m. 
Brigadier General Wilson, Comd^g 3d division cavalry: 

The major general commanding directs that you concentrate your division 
on the left, somewhere near the plank road, and hold its available force ready for 
prompt movement. 

The guard left with trains should be merely sufficient to protect them against 
any small irregular parties of the enemy. The dismounted men should form 
this guard. Please report your location as soon as established. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Sta^'. 

P. S. — The patrols and pickets on the north side of the Blackwater should 
be reduced to the minimum consistent with watching the main avenues of 
approach. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant Ge?ieral. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Jtdy 29, 1864— 2^ j9. m. 
Brigadier General Wilson, 

Comd^g cavalry division, Jordan's Point : 
The commanding general considers that not more than one regiment should 
remain north of the Blackwater, and that be so posted as to be brought in 
rapidly to-morrow morning. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 81 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864— 3^ j>. m. 
Brigadier General Wilson, comcVg 3d division cavalry corps: 

General: Major General Sheridan is ordered to move at dark to Lee's mill, 
and at daylight against the enemy's troops defending Petersburg on their right, 
by the roads leading to that town from the southward and westward. 

Your division will accompany him, and the commanding general directs that 
you be prepared to call in your patrols and pickets early to-morrow morning 
and move with the cavalry corps. You will send a staff officer to meet General 
Sheridan and receive his instructions. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official copy: 

S. F, BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—10 j)- m. 
Major General Sheridan : 

The commanding general directs that you keep up connexion with our left, 
in the operations of to morrow. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 

Official copy : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

These include the despatches sent to the cavalry. I would explain that the 
separate orders to General Wilson were issued because General Sheridan was 
across the James river, at Deep Bottom, with two divisions, and I had to issue 
separate orders to General Wilson, so that he might be ready for the movement 
next day. 

Here are some despatches which are of no particular consequence, but I will 
introduce them here. They are despatches from the signal officers, indicating 
the movements of the enemy ; 

Headquarters Araiy of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—3 p. m. 
Brigadier General White, 

Cofmnanding [temporary) Division, 9th Corps : 
The major general commanding directs that, as soon as it is dark, you witli- 
draw your command from the intrenchments you are now holding, and move to 
the position of the 9th corps, and report to your corps commander. You will 
call in your pickets upon moving. 

You will at once report to Major General Burnside, and receive his instruc- 
tions as to the route vou will take. 



Very respectfully, &c. 
Official : 

Rep. No. 114 6 



A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General and Chief of Staff. 

S. F. BARSTOW, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



82 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—4.45 a. m. 

Colonel Wainwright, Chief of Artillery 5th Corps: 

General Buruside is directed, if his mine has failed, to open all his batteries 
on his front and assault at once. Upon hearing his batteries open, those of the 
5th corps will open also. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and, Chief of StaJ^. 
Official: 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Plank Road Signal Station, 

July 30, 1864 — 5 a. m. 
Major B. F. Fisher: 

There are no tents or the sign of any force on the right of the enemy's line 
near lead works. 

The two batteries directly in front of station, which opened heavily this 
morning, have ceased firing. 

A large building is burning in the city. 

I have seen no movement of the enemy's troops. 

J. B. DUFF, 
Lieutenant, Signal Officer. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

[By telegraph from Plank Road Signal Station.] 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—6.20 a. m. 
Major Fisher : 

The enemy's infantry has been passing to our right for twenty minutes ; first 
noticed them at a point due west of the station marching in rear of their line ; 
they came out in plain view at a point northwest from station. The column 
was at least a strong brigade ; all the camps one-quarter mile of lead works 
have been broken up ; the largest visible from station has just been broken up 
and the troops moved to our right. 

J. B. DUFF, Signal Officer. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

[By telegraph from 5th Corps.] 

July 30, 1864. 
Major Fisher : 

The enemy are wholly concealed along the line in view of this station. Not 
one has been seen ; only three guns, and those in redoubts at Gregor House. 
Reply to us. 

Copy sent to General Warren. 

S. LYON, Lieutenant. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. ■ 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 83 

It was on these reports of the signal officers that General Warren's orders 
were predicated. 

The following is the report of the chief of engineers : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Office of Engineers, August 5, 1864. 
Sir: In compliance with directions received from you to-day, I have the 
honor to make the following report of the duty performed by the engineer offi- 
cers during the assault of July 30. 

In compliance with directions from the chief of staff, I detailed an officer of 
engineers for duty with each corps that was ordered to take part in the attack 
on the 30th of July. 

Major Michler, who was charged with selecting the position of the column 
on the right, after having reconnoitred the position, reported to General Ord, 
and was informed that his subordinate generals had already examined the posi- 
tion, were thoroughly acquainted with the ground, and required no further 
assistance. They had already determined to take the same position indicated 
by Major Michler. Two engineer officers belonging to the 18th corps accom- 
panied the movement. 

Lieutenant Benyaurd, engineer, who has been on duty on the 9th corps front, 
reported to General Bnrnside and remained with him during the whole affair. 
After having consulted with the commanding general of the 5th corps as to 
the direction his column would take, I proceeded to the batteries in front of that 
corps and assisted Colonel Abbott in directing their fire so as to silence that of 
the enemy against the assaulting column. 1 then repaired to the right of his 
line. By this time, however, the attack had been abandoned and my services 
were no longer required. 
Very respectfully, 

J. C. DUANE, Major Engineers. 
Brigadier General S. Williams, 

Assistant Adjutant General Army of the Potomac. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, A. A. G. 

I believe I have now read every despatch that I have received, and the court 
are fully aware of all the information that I received on the ground. 

General Meade. I would state that in the general orders issued on the night 
previous to the assault the cavalry was ordered to make this attack on the left. 
Two divisions of the cavalry corps were ovei- at Deep Bottom. They could not 
cross the river until after the second corps had crossed, so that it was late in 
the day before they came up. Indeed, the head of the column did not appear 
before the offensive operations were suspended. As General Wilson had been 
ordered to be in readiness, however, and in view of the unavoidable delay of 
Sheridan, orders were sent to General Wilson not to wait for General Sheridan, 
but to push on himself to the Weldon railroad and make an assault upon the 
enemy. No report was received from General Sheridan. General Sheridan 
was sick. General Gregg reported in the evening that he had advanced his 
cavalry, and that they had found the enemy in force at Rearas's station, at 
Gurley's house, and at various other points along the railroad. There was no 
attack made by the cavalry except at Lee's mills, where General Gregg, en- 
countering cavalry, drove them away to water his horses. 

When it was known that our offensive operations were suspended, orders were 
sent to the cavalry that they should push on as far as possible and find out the 
enemy's position ; but the original orders about going into town were modified, 
inasmuch as the operations in our immediate front were suspended. 



84 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

I desire to say to the court that it has not been my disposition or intention to 
throw censure upon anybody for the unfortunate failure ; that, indeed, I have 
not been furnished with the necessary information to enable me to do so, I have 
not yet received Major General Burnside's, or his subordinate commanders', offi- 
cial reports. I have very little knowledge of what actually transpired except 
from the despatches you have heard read here. I have been groping in the 
dark since the commencement of the attack. I did not wish to take any un- 
pleasant measures, but I thought it my duty to suggest to the President of the 
United States that this matter should be investigated, and that the censure should 
be made to rest upon those who are entitled to it. What I have done has been 
to show that I tried to do all I could to insure success. 

FOURTH DAY. 

Court Room, Headquarters 2d Corps, 

August 10, 1864. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

There were also present Generals Ferrero, Potter, and Wilcox, of the 9tli 
corps. General Mott, of the 2cl, and General Carr, of the JSth. 

The proceQ,dings of the third day were read and approved. 

Testimony of General Meade continued. 
Questions by General Burnside. 

Question. Where were your headquarters during the action of the 30th ? 

Answer. From four o'clock until about eleven — I am not exactly confident as 
to the time of leaving it — my headquarters, as announced in the order of battle 
on the day previous, were established at the headquarters of the 9th corps. At 
eleven o'clock, or about that time, as near as I can remember, I removed to the 
headquarters of the army of the Potomac, which are situated about three-quarters 
of a mile to the eastward of the headquarters of tlie ninth corps, and are in tele- 
graphic communication with the same headquarters where I remained during the 
rest of the day. 

Question. How far was that from the scene of action 1 

Answer. If by the scene of action is meant the crater of the mine and that 
portion of the enemy's line in front of it, so far as I have knowledge of the ground, 
derived from maps, I should suppose that the headquarters of the 9th corps were 
possibly a mile to the eastward of the crater, and my headquarters are three- 
quarters of a mile, as I stated, beyond that, still further to the east. 

Question. Could anything of the action be seen from there ? 

Answer. Nothing could be seen from any of the points that I occupied. 

Question. Did you go further to the front during the action ? If so, where ? 

Answer. I did not leave the headquarters of the 9th corps during the active 
operations. 

Question. Did you not know that there were several positions on our line 
where you could see the action for yourself, and yet be in as proper a place 
for you as in General Burnside's permanent camp, and also have full personal 
communication with Generals Burnside and Ord, and be much nearer to General 
Warren, and likewise have telegraphic communication with the rest of the army 1 

Answer. I undoubtedly was aware that there were points of the line where I 
could see more of the action than I could see at the position I occupied, but I 
was not aware that there was any point where I could see anything particularly 
or on which I could base my orders. I adopted the position I did in conse- 
quence of its being a central one and in telegraphic communication with all parts 
of the line where officers were stationed with whom it was necessary to com- 
municate ; and having a large staff, and many communications to receive, and 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUEG. 85 

many persons to communicate with, and being there in telegraphic communi- 
cation, I considered it more proper to remain where I announced to the army my 
headquarters would be, and where all information could be sent to me, than to 
make any change of position as intimated in the question. Besides which, I 
desire to say to this court that it has been a matter of policy with me to place 
myself in such position that my communications made, and the replies made 
thereto, should be made in such way as a record could be kept of them, and not 
be confined to verbal communications, which are often subject to misapprehension 
and to misconstruction. There undoubtedly was telegraphic communication 
from General Burnside's headquarters in the field — the fourteen gun battery, as 
it was called — with the other headquarters in the army. 

Question. Did you not have an aide-de-camp with General Burnside during 
most of the action 1 

Answer. During a portion of the time I did have Captain Sanders, aide-de- 
camp, at the headquarters of General Burnside. I sent him there in conse- 
quence of not receiving any communication from General Burnside, in the hope 
that he would be enabled to send me some information. 

Question. Was not Captain Sanders sent there before the mine exploded 1 

Answer. No, sir ; he was sent there some considerable time after the mine 
exploded ; that is, upon the duty that I now refer to. I have previously stated 
to the court that before the mine exploded I sent two officers to endeavor to ex- 
plain the delay. One was Captain Jay and one might have been Captain Sanders ; 
but they returned before the explosion of the luine. After the explosion of the 
mine I sent Captain Sanders on the duty that I now refer to, which was to re- 
main at General Burnside's headquarters and communicate to me anything which 
he could ascertain. I think it further proper to add to this answer to this question 
that, finding I did not get the information which I desired to have, or which I 
thought I could have, and fearing that my having sent an aide-de-camp — the 
object being to facilitate the transmission of information — might be used to deter 
i-esponsible officers from communicating information to the commanding general, 
I withdrew Captain Sanders, before the action closed, by an order. 

Question. For what purpose was he sent 1 Was it not to report to you the 
state and progress of affairs, and did he not so report 1 

Answer. 1 have already answered the first part of that question. As to his 
reports, all the despatches from him are on file in my evidence before the court. 
As to whether he reported all he should have reported, and all the information 
to be obtained, I presume the court will ascertain from him and from other evi- 
dence. 

Question. Was there any information not furnished you by General Burnside, 
or through other sources, which, if received, woulcT have influenced your conduct 
of the action ] If so, what ? 

Answer. I have already informed the court that all the information I received 
has been placed before them in the shape of official documents. It is impos- 
sible for me to say what my action would have been if I had received any other 
information, I acted upon the information I received. 

Question. What time did Captain Sanders leave General Burnside to return 
to you 1 

Answer. I should say it was about half-past eight ; between that and nine, 
as near as I can recollect. I have a copy of the order to him, which I can fur- 
nish if desired. 

Question. You state that General Burnside's despatch of 9 a. m. was the first 
information you had received that any collision had taken place, or that there 
was any enemy in our front ; had you not, before the receipt of this despatch, 
written to General Burnside in reference to General Griffin's attack and repulse ; 
also, received a despatch from Captain Sanders speaking of captured colors 
also, seen and examined rebel prisoners taken that morning 1 



86 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. In reply to that question, I would say that I am willing to assume 
that there is an apparent discrepancy in my testimony, which I am very glad 
to have an opportunity of explaining. I should suppose that any one cognizant 
of the circumstances that took place on that day, even of ihe most general na- 
ture, would know that I never meant to say that I did not know that there was 
no enemy anywhere. I was fully aware that when the crater was occupied a 
number of prisoners Avere taken. I was also aware that the enemy occupied 
their lines both on the right and on the left of the position occupied by General 
Burnside ; and I did know that Captain Sanders had made a report of captured 
colors, and that an attack had been made in front of Clritfin ; but my whole atten- 
tion was absorbed in the endeavor to have a charge made to the crest, and my 
thoughts were all upon that ; and when I said this was the first intimation I 
had of there being any enemy in the front, I meant any enemy so situated as 
to prevent a direct assault upon the crest. Besides which, I must throw myself 
upon the consideration of the court, and say that the vast number of despatches, 
the frequency with which they were sent and received, was such that my mem- 
ory may not serve me well, and the incidents may be, in a measure, not related 
in the exact order in which they occurred, I wish to call the attention of the 
court to a very important fact for the benefit of General Burnside, if it results 
to his benefit as well as to mine, and that is the difficulty of having the time of 
these despatches uniform, A despatch is sent to me marked with the time of 
the officer who sends it, but the time by his watch may be ten or fifteen minutes 
different from mine. But I do honestly and conscientiously say that that was 
the first positive information, when I received that despatch that the men of the 
9th and 18th corps were returning, that I had that there was any such force or 
disposition of the enemy as to render it questionable that that assault could 
be made. 

General Burnside here remarked, " I want the record in such a shape as to 
enable the casual reader and the revising officer to see that there was, before 
that time, an effort on my part, or on the part of some person near me, to give 
information, and not an effort to cast any imputation on General Meade, and I 
do not desire to invalidate his testimony, but simply to elaborate, I am confi- 
dent that there is no disposition on the part of General Meade to make erroneous 
statements," 

Question, Have you a note written me by you about two weeks before the 
assault as to the practicability of an assault in my front, my answer thereto, 
your second letter, and my reply, and will you be kind enough to furnish 
copies ? 

Answer, I presume that jjiose documents, like all other official documents, 
are on file. I will have a search made for them, and as soon as they are dis- 
covered will very cheerfully furnish General Burnside or the court a copy of them. 

[General Burnside explained that one of them was a semi-official letter, and 
General Meade, being reminded of the purport of it, answered that he did not 
think he had it.] 

By the Court : 

Question. What knowledge had you of the movements of the different di- 
visions of the enemy on July 30 1 

Answer, I had very positive information from deserters, not only those who 
came within my own lines here, but those who came into the lines of General 
Butler, and those who came into the lines of General Hancock, that there were 
but three divisions of the enemy in our front, consisting of Mahone's division of 
Hill's corps, and Johnson's aud Hoke's divisions of Longstreet's corps ; and that 
the other divisions of Lee's army were on the north side of the James river, 
confronting Generals Hancock and Sheridan, on the 29th, I also received the 
same information from prisoners taken that morning. During the operations I 
received information from the signal officer on the plank road that the enemy • 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEKSBURG. 87 

were moving troops from their right to their centre, which I anticipated, and 
upon receiving that information the orders were sent to General Warn^n to en- 
deavor to turn the enemy's right by pushing forward General Crawford, and to 
General Wilson to push on'without delay, without waiting for the arrival of 
General Sheridan, coming from Deep Bottom. 

Question. Did the order to suspend operations (given about 9 a. m., July 30) 
originate with Lieutenant General Grant? 

Answer. No, sir; the order, I think, originated with myself. Some time he- 
fore the order was given, I informed Lieutenant General Grant that, as far as I 
could see, there was no prospect of our succeeding in the manner in which Ave 
had expected to do; that the time had passed for the coup-de-main to succeed; 
and I suggested to him that we should immediately withdraw the troops, to 
which he acceded. About that time a despatch was received from the signal 
officer of tlie 5th corps, stating that the colored troops had captured a brigade of 
the enemy, with four of their colors, to which, although, I did not attach much 
importance, not knowing how a signal officer could see an operation of that kind 
when it did not come to me from the officer in charge of the operation. We, 
nevertheless, suspended this order and held it in abeyance until the arrival of 
the despatch of General Burnside, informing me that some of the men of the 18th 
and 9th corps were retiring, and I think also that the Lieutenant General him- 
self rode down to our trenches and made some personal examination, and had 
seen General Ord, and had some conversation with him. Upon his return, from 
what he had heard fi-om General Ord, and subsequently an officer coming in and 
saying that the colored troops, instead of capturing a brigade and four colors, 
had themselves retired in great confusion, which information, I think, was given 
me by Major Fisher, the chief signal officer, I again referred the subject to the 
Lieutenant General, and again gave him my opinion that, as it was then about 
9.25, it was unnecessary to make any other efforts, and an unnecessary sacrifice 
of life; my idea being that they could be withdrawn without any difficulty 
then, as we should have difficulty later in the day in withdrawing them. To 
this he assented, and the order was given to withdraw them. Afterwards, when 
the information was received from General Burnside of the difficulty of retiring, 
then the order was modified. 

Question. Were any instructions given for destroying the bridges in Petersburg 
in case the crest was gained 1 

Answer. There were not, for two reasons : and first, if we had succeeded, as I 
hoped we would, in overcoming the enemy, we should have driven them across 
the Appomattox, and should have wanted those bridges to follow them, but the 
contingency of their destroying those bridges was held in view, and it was to 
meet that contingency that the chief engineer was ordered to have a pontoon 
train brought up so that we could throw our own bridges. My expectation was 
that if we had succeeded in the coup-de-maiu, these three divisions of the 
enemy would have gone out of our way, and we should be enabled to cross not 
only the Appomattox, but also Swift run, and open communication with General 
Butler at Bermuda Hundred before General Lee could send any reinforcements 
from the five divisions that he was known to have north of the James river. 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 

July 26, 12 7n, 1864. 

Major General Burnside : 

I wish you would submit in writing your project for the explosion of your mine, 
with the amount of powder required, that the preliminary questions may be 
definitely settled. You had better also look for some secure place in the woods, 
where the powder required can be brought in wagons, and kept under guard ; 



b8 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 

thus saving the time it will take to unload it from the vessels and haul it to your 
camp. Whenever you report as above and designate a point, I will order the 
powder brought up. 

• GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 26, 1864. 
Major General Burnsfde., Commanding 9th Corps : 

General : The major general commanding directs me to inquire whether 
anything has transpired comiected with your mine that leads you to believe it 
is in danger from countermining. If it is your conviction that it is so endan- 
gered, then the commanding general authorizes you to make every preparation 
for springing it ; but directs that you do not explode it earlier than to-morrow 
afternoon, Wednesday the 27th, say at four o'clock, if not otherwise ordered. 
The commanding general further directs me to say that the charge of the mine 
should be determined by the usual rules governing such subjects. It is not in- 
tended by the commanding general to follow the explosion of the mine by an as- 
sault or other operations. If therefore the mine can be preserved for use at some 
early future day, when circumstances will admit of its being used in connesioa 
with other operations, the commanding general desires that you take no steps 
for exploding it as herein prescribed, 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. F. BARSTOW, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

The foregoing is substantially the statement which I made to the court of 
inquiry. 

It alludes to all the points which required any explanation on my part, so fax 
as my own conduct was concerned. 

There is one point, however, which I deem it proper to elaborate before this 
committee, because I have reason to believe it will be set fortli prominently in 
the testimony of others, and that is the position I occupied on the field. The 
selection of this position was made the day previous, and was due to the fact 
that from it there were lines of telegraph running to the Avery and Jordan 
houses, which I presumed would be in the vicinity of the headquarters of the 
5th and 2d corps, and instructions were given to run a line to the 14 gun battery, 
where General Burnside had informed me he should establish his headquarters. 
The object of its selection was to secure a central position, where I could be in 
prompt communication with the several corps commanders. During the opera 
tions I remained there, because, having announced it as the headquarters in the 
field, I feared if I left it some important communication might be sent, and time 
lost in liunting me up to deliver it. It was for this reason, stated at the time to 
the Lieutenant General commanding, that when he went to the front I did not ac- 
company him. It was for this reason, also, that when Major General Warren 
proposed I should go over to his position, 1 did not accede to his request, for it 
seemed to me then, as it does now, that any information General Warren had in 
any manner acquired could be transmitted to me by telegraph as well as if I 
went there to see for myself, and the objection to going was the danger that during 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 89 

my absence others might have information equally as important, which would 
not, owing to my absence, be promptly transmitted. 1 now refer not to going 
to General Warren's headquarters, because I am satisfied from the testimony of 
others that nothing was to be seen from there ; and General Warren had him- 
self transmitted me erroneous intelligence, which he subsequently corrected 
Nor would going down to the front line of our works have produced any 
change, because the Lieutenant General on returning from them acknowledged 
to me that nothing could be seen, and he left there under the impression that 
all was going on well, when he met Major General Ord, who reported to him 
our people were being driven back. 

Furthermore, I have the testimony of Major General Ord and others, that 
owing to the smoke from the artillery, and a mist which prevailed part of the 
time, there was really nothing to be seen or known, unless you went to the cra- 
ter itself. 

Now, I am willing to admit that had I gone to the crater I should perhaps have 
known earlier the true condition of affairs, and had I foreseen what subsequently 
occurred, I should undoubtedly have gone, but it would not have been because 
it was my place, but it would have been because I felt myself called upon to as- 
sume the duties of the corps, division, and perhaps brigade commanders. My fail- 
ure to do so, in ignorance of any necessity for so doing, I respectfully submit 
should not be deemed a cause for censure. And it may be well for the commit- 
tee to inquire who did go to the crater, and give their personal superintendence 
to the movement of the troops, and if it is found that any corps or division com- 
mander whose immediate command was there did not go, and did not deem 
themselves called upon to go, I trust I shall have the benefit of the superior 
knowledge they were presumed to possess, being not only nearer to the scene of 
action, but having communication with the troops there. 

The points, therefore, which I desire to call the attention of the committee 
to are : 

1st The position I selected was a pi'oper one, had my orders been carried 
out to promptly transmit to me everything that occurred. 

2d. That the testimony of others proves that it was a proper position, because 
those in other parts of the field, whose duty it was to transmit information to 
me, did not do so, and the inference therefore is that they could not, or did not, 
see or hear anything that would have influenced my action. 

3d. 1 have the testimony of the Lieutenant General commanding, and Major 
General Ord, Brigadier General Hunter, Major Duane, and others who were at 
various points in the front, that nothing positive' could be seen or known of the 
actual state of afi'airs. 

4th. I maintain it would have been wrong in me to have left my post, without 
the strongest reason for so doing, and in confirmation of this I refer the com- 
mittee to the fact on record, that between 5 and 10 o'clock I received and trans- 
mitted over one hundred despatches and orders, averaging one every three min- 
utes, and that had I been absent it would have been impossible to have given 
the ( rders I did. If the committee will study what I did do on that day, they 
will see the impossibility of my having attended to all these points, and be at 
the same time riding round to see if my subordinates were doing their duty. 

I feel satisfied that, on a deliberate review of what did occui-, the commit- 
tee will agree with me, that thogh possibly it might have been of advantage for 
me to have gone to the immediate front, it could only have been so in conse- 
quence of the failure of others to do what they should have done, and that under 
the circumstances, and with the knowledge I had, my course was the proper 
one. 



90 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 

Brevet Major General 0. B. Wilcox sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the array ? 

Answer. I am a brevet major general of volunteers. At the time of the oper- 
ations you are investigating, I commanded the third division, and I now com- 
mand the first division, of the 9th army corps. 

Question. Will you state such facts as you may deem important, in relation 
to the operations of July 30, 1864 ? 

Answer. The attack of the 30th of July was intended and expected to be a 
surprise. It was thought that the mine could be exploded before or at daylight ; 
that it could be exploded at any minute desired. It was ordered to be exploded 
at half-past three, and every preparation was made for a speedy assault. The 
mine failed to explode at the time fixed, in consequence of a defect in the fuse. 
It did not explode until a quarter to five o'clock, or some time after daybreak. 
This probably gave the enemy some warning of a movement, because they must 
have noticed an unusual number of troops massed in rear of the works near the 
mine, so that, in point of time, it was not wholly a surprise. The explosion was 
expected to throw up masses of earth and stones at such a distance that our own 
troops were a little apprehensive of the effects of the explosion. The mine was less 
than 140 yards from our works, behind which the assaulting column was massed. 
In consequence of the explosion, there was a little hesitation on the part of the 
leading troops — those of General Ledlie's division. But in a few minutes those 
troops went forward and filled the gap caused by the explosion of the mine. 
There was a mistake on the part of one of the brigades of the first division, in 
going into the mine, instead of striking the works to the right of the mine. 
Thus, at the beginning of the movement, the whole of the first division lomid 
themselves in the very narrow gap, which was very much deepened by the ex- 
plosion, so that it was some twenty-five feet in depth. In the mean time, the 
enemy had begun to recover from their surprise, and a fire was brought to bear 
from nearly every direction upon the troops at the crater, so that it was very 
difficult to form the troops outside of the crater. I think the first mistake made 
was in not moving the troops to the right and left of the crater, instead of through 
the crater ; whose mistake that was I do not know. The intention was, that 
the first division should move first, and pass over the works, and proceed to 
Cemetery hill ; the next division, mine, was to cross the works as soon as the 
first division should leave them, and then move up to the left of Cemetery hill, 
so as to protect the left flank of the first division; and the next division, follow- 
ing mine, was to move in the same way to the right of Cemetery hill, so as to 
protect the right flank of the first division. The ninth corps being out of the 
way, it was intended that two other corps should pass through and be ready to 
follow up the result; but in consequence of this narrow gap being filled up with 
troops, all huddled together in the crater itself, and unable to move under the 
concentrated fire of the enemy, no other troops could be got in. When I came 
down to support the first division, I found that division, and three regiments of 
my division, together with the regiments of the second division w^hich had gone 
in on my right, so completely filling up the crater that no more troops could be 
got in there. I therefore ordered an attack, with the rest of my division, on the 
works of the enemy, to the left of the crater. This attack was made, and was 
successful, and the works to the left of the crater, for snme 150 yards of the 
intrenchments, were held for some time by my troops. I ,do not think that the 
tactical arrangements for the troops for that movement were such as I would 
have ordered. But it is always easier to judge of those things afterwards than 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. "91 

before. I think that, in the first place, there should have been a storming party 
of" picked troops, every man of whom should have known his business, and 
should have known that he was to go through tlie works of the enemy, and gain 
the top of Cemetery hill, without regard to rank or formation; and those should 
have been foUoM'ed by troops in order, and ready to fight a battle. I think 
that the next division should have moved down the enemy's line to the left, and 
captured their men and guns, and the next division should have moved down on 
the other flank, inside the enemy's intrenchments. This, I think, would have 
opened the way for the whole army ; but the order was for everything to move 
right on towards Cemetery hill, and the passage-way was so narrow that it 
proved to be impossible to do so. 

By Mr. Julian : 

Question. Whose order was that 1 

Answer. The general order of G-eneral Meade was that Cemetery hill should 
be crowned. The particulars of that order came from Ceneral Buruside ; that 
is, the movements of the divisions. At the same time, I think that other points 
of attack should have been selected, and other demonstrations or series of attacks 
made. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. Will you name those other points 1 

Answer. Along the line to the right and left of the crater, in front of the 5tli 
and 18th corps. 

Question. Where was the ISth corps? 

Answer. The line of the 18th corps was to the right of the 9th, and the troops, 
except a portion for the trenches, came up and formed to the right and rear of 
the 9th. 

Question. Where was General Hancock's corps ? 

Answer. His corps was in rear of the centre, in reserve. The ISlh corps 
was on our right, and the 5th corps on our left, in reserve, such of it as was 
brought out of the trenches, and the 2d corps, Hancock's, was in reserve, in rear 
of all. I would say here that operations by mining at a particvilar point have 
very seldom yielded any general results, so far as the history of war teaches. 

Question. What we desire to learn is, if there were any errors committed, and 
if so, to ascertain those errors, and the cause of the failure. 

Answer. Certainly. 

By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. Do you know what General Burnside's original plan of assault was 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; General Burnside originally intended to make his colored 
division the storming party. The colored troops were the freshest troops in the 
corps, the other troops having been under fire in the trenches some fifty days. 
The colored troops had been drilled with a view to this movement on Cemetery 
hill, and it was intended that they should lead the advance, and crown Ceme- 
tery hill. That movement was countermanded by higher authority. 

Question. Do you know whether it was contemplated in the original plan of 
General Burnside that there should be a movement to the right and left of the 
assaulting column ? 

Answer. To a considerable extent it was. 

Question. And the troops were drilled with a view to that movement 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Can you state at what time you received your orders as to the part 
you were to take in the assault of the 30th ? 

Answer. About dusk of the afternoon before. 

Question. Up to that time your part had not been assigned to you ? 



92- EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. Not fully ; I would say that the general plan of the movement was 
known to me about noon of the 29th. 

Question. And the change in the troops to lead the assault? 

Answer. That was known by me about noon of the day before, (29th.) My 
orders I received about dusk. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. How long was it after our troops first entered the crater before the 
enemy opened fire upon them from the right and left 1 

Answer. I do not think it was over ten minutes ; it may have been fifteen 
minutes from the time we struck the crater. 

By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. How long was it, after the explosion of the mine, before the com- 
mencement of the assault] 

Answer. I should judge that the troops commenced to move to the assault 
about five minutes after the explosion. The troops were sheltering themselves 
from the eftects of the explosion, they were so close to the mine, so that it took 
five minutes, perhaps ten minutes, to form them in order to move forward. It 
was about fifteen minutes before the troops got to the crater after the explosion, 
and they had to pass over about 140 yards besides what they were staggered 
back by the explosion. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question : Do you know from what points the troops of the enemy were 
drawn that opened this fire upon our troops on the right and left of the crater ? 

Answer. The first fire was opened from troops in the enemy's trenches, on 
the right and left. The fire which we next encountered was from the enemy's 
field artillery, which took position in the rear of the crater, and which fired 
into and over the crater, and even over our own works. The third movement 
of the enemy was made, as I supposed, by reinforcements which the enemy 
brought up. But in the mean time, as I judged, the enemy drew troops from 
their intrenchments in front of the 5th corps, and moved them around and at- 
tacked our troops in the crater. 

Question. Do you know any reason why the 5th corps could not have at- 
tacked the enemy's troops in front of them, and held them in check during this 
assault by the 9th corps ? 

Answer. I thought the 5th corps was to make such an attack. But when I 
found there was no room for my division to go in where the other troops had 
gone, I supposed that an attack was to be maile on the right and left. 

Question. Do you know any reason why it was not done 1 

Answer. I do not, other than the ordinary obstacles of the intrenchments. 
I know of no reason why the order was not given. My opinion is that the at- 
tack should have been made. 

Question. Now, the same question in regard to the enemy's troops on the 
right? 

Answer. A vigorous attack should have been made on both sides. 

Question. Do you know of any reason why an attack was not made? 

Answer. The troops of the 18th corps were massed on the right, and their 
lines were thinned out; but still, I think there should have been a vigorous at- 
tack made on the right of the crater. 

Question. Were there troops there that could have held the enemy's troops 
on the right? 

Answer. I think there were, viz, 18th corps men. 

Question. Do you know of any reason why that should not have been done? 

Answer. 1 know of no reason why the attack should not have been made. 
The success of the thing would depend entirely upon other matters. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 93 

Question. I understand you to say that there Avas a mistalce in the move- 
ments of one of the brigades of the 1st division in entering the crater, instead 
of passing over the works to the right 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know how that mistake occurred, and who was responsible 
for it? 

Answer. I cannot state from personal knowledge, only from information de- 
rived from General Ledlie. 

Question About what hour of the day were our troops withdrawn 1 

Answer. It was between one and two o'clock. 

Question. Did your command ever get beyond the crater? 

Answer. My command got outside of the crater to the left, but not towards 
Cemetery hill, because they would have had to pass to the front of the first 
division to do that. 

Question. Your orders were to pass through and take a position to the left 
upon Cemetery hill, so as to protect the left Hank of the first division ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; subsequently, when it Avas found that the first division had 
not been able to move forward, my orders — the general order to all the 9th 
corps division commanders— were to press forward. But, in consequence of the 
way being blocked up by the advance, it was impossible to get the troops through, 
and that order was not carried out. 



Tcstiinony of Major General G. K. Warren. 

HEADtiUARTERS ArMY OF THE PoTOMAC, 

Be/ore Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 

Major General G. K. Warren sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Loan : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army? 

Answer. Major general of volunteers, commanding the fifth army corps. 

Question. Please state concisely whatever you may deem important in regard 
to the springing of the mine and the assault upon the enemy's lines on the 30th 
of July last. 

Answer. On that particular occasion I had very little to do. A mine was 
begun in front of General Burnside's lines, and when completed arrangements 
were made to explode it, and follow up the explosion with an assault. My duty 
was to support General Burnside's assault with two of my divisions, and hold 
the line tliat I occupied with my other division. 

After the mine was sprung, and General Burnside's troops gained possession 
of the crater and the enemy's lines contiguous, they were nearly expelled from 
it by the enemy, without my troops being called into support, and the attack 
was abandoned. 

I do not consider that I was in position to say, authoritatively, what was the 
exact fault, or who was to blame; whether the fault was in the conception of 
the plan or in its execution. 

Question. Your command was on the left of the 9th army corps ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. In front of the enemy's works? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Had you any orders to attack the enemy on your front at the time 
General Burnside made his assault? 

Answer. No, sir, no more than that the batteries in my front and what in- 
fantry was there should keep down the fire of the enemy in my front, which 



94 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETESSBUKG. 

Avas effectually done. The enemy did not use his guns in our front to any 
extent. 

Question. Did the enemy in your front join in the attack upon the troops of 
the 9th corps while in the crater? 

Answer. I think not ; I think they took no part in that attack. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of what troops of the enemy on the left 
of the ninth corps were used to oppose our troops in the crater ? 

Answer. I have no knowledge; but I have understood that they came from 
west of the lead works to the left of my corps. It was a part of the general 
order that our cavalry should go around and attack the enemy in that position, 
but they did not get there. 

Question. That is a matter of which you had no especial charge? 

Answer. No, sir. My place in the programme was rather insignificant, so far 
as any knowledge of the affair was concerned. 

Question. How were you to support the assault of General Burnside? 

Answer. To follow his column. 

Question. Was any place assigned to yo,u particularly? 

Answer. I Avas to have followed on as soon as I could. My troops were 
closed up on General Burnside's left, and as soon as his troops had got out of 
the Avay I Avas to folloAV on. The kind of support I should have rendered 
Avould have depended upon circumstances, and Avhat General Burnside called 
upon me to do ; for his being in command at the time, and directing the 
attack, we were to receive instructions from him as to where he wanted support, 
and hoAv and when. 

Question. Did you receive any instructions to obey General Burnside's orders 
as to the time Avhen you were to assist him, and how? 

Answer. I did not get any instructions to obey his orders specially ; I Avould 
have done that by virtue of his rank on the ground, without any special in- 
structions. 

Question. I understand your statement to be that no part of the troops of the 
enemy in your immediate front were used in assaulting our troops in the crater, 
but that you held them in that part of their lines. 

Answer. I think none were. 

Question. Had you means of ascertaining certainly in regard to that matter? 

Answer. As much as anybody in our army had; unless the enemy could have 
moved right from under my eyes without my seeing them. We did not any of us 
know how much covered way they had. But I am quite well satisfied that they 
did not take part in the attack. 

Question. Do you know how long it was after our troops entered the crater 
before the enemy opened fire on them from the left, or opposite your front? I 
understand that from the time of the explosion of the mine everything Avas quiet 
for a time, and that our troops crossed over from our lines to the crater without 
any guns being fired upon them at all, and that the troops of the enemy did not 
rally immediately after our troops entered the crater. 

Answer. Judging from what I saw I think^the enemy opened fire on the left 
of General Burnside's line immediately after the troops started. I think that 
one or two guns there were fired upon the crater, and I do not know but they 
opened fire from the right; I do not know about that. 

Question. Was there any fire opened from Cemetery hill? 

AnsAver. There was a thirty-pounder battery there, or one or two 4J inch 
guns upon the ridge that fired all around ;' they kept firing almost all day, at 
least I judge so from the shot lying around afterwards. It had not much influ- 
ence on the affair, however. 

Question. Was there any attack upon our troops from the left that amounted 
to anything that you knew of? 

Answer. Xo, sir ; none at all from the left. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 95 

Question. Do you know where the enemy's troops came from that attacked 
our troops in the crater ? 

Answer. I should think they came nearly in a direct line from this church, 
[indicating- on the map,] ololiquely from General Burnside's right. 

Question. At what time did you receive your orders to co-operate in this 
assault 1 

Answer. In the afternoon of the preceding day. 

Question. Were there any reasons why you should not have attacked the 
enemy directly in your front 1 I have heard it suggested that the enemy might 
have been attacked on the right and left of General Burnside's column. 

Answer. It was not a part of the programme. 

Question. What I mean is, do you know any reason why it should not have 
been a part of the programme 1 

Answer. I should say myself that I had no better chance to attack there 
after the mine was sprung than I had the day before. I might just as well have 
attacked at any other time, and a great deal better a month before, because the 
enemy had not then so many abattis, or batteries, &c. I fought a battle there 
on the 18th of July with all my corps, and with as much vigor as I could, when 
the enemy had had but one day's preparation, and did not succeed. Then they 
had had forty-two days' preparation. There was no more reason why I should 
have attacked the lines on my front on that day than on any day of the preceding 
forty-two. I had, with more men, failed in my attack before. 

Question, And that was a reason why you should not have attacked on the 
30th ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; if I had been asked beforehand I should have said that I 
would not advise it. But if I had been ordered to do it I should have done it. 
We have had to do a great deal of attacking in this campaign which did not 
seem exactly right to those in front ; but it had a bearing upon other parts of 
the field which we could not understand. One of the most difficult things in a 
campaign is to subordinate your own particular ideas to the general plan. We 
have learned that now. 

Question. You know of no other reason than what you have assigned 1 

Answer. No, sir ; no other. 

Question. What did your corps do on that day 1 

Answer. I do not know that I could say we did anything more than I have 
already stated, except to retire to the camp. 
By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. Will you state what, in your opinion, should have been the manner 
in which that assault should have been made 1 

Answer. In my opinion there should have been two independent columns, 
perhaps as large as a division each, to have rushed in immediately after the 
explosion of the mine, and have swept down the enemy's lines right and left, 
clearing away all their artillery and infantry by attacking in the flank and rear. 
This would then have allowed the main column to follow on to the main crest 
rapidly and without molestation. I believe that insufficient preparation was 
made in not making wider covered ways, and in not more thoroughly levelling 
our own parapets and removing our own abattis. The consequence was that 
the troops seemed to move very slowly, and went forward very stragglingly, 
like a skirmish line. Those that reached the crater apparently huddled into it, 
and made no attempt, that I know of, to take the enemy's lines to the right and 
left. The object of mining the enemy's lines at any one point was evidently 
to give the opportunity to take the rest of the enemy's lines in flank and reverse, 
and then the troops in front of those lines could move forward. Unless this 
part was properly carried out at the breach, all the rest of the f jrces would 
necessarily have to remain quiescent. 



96 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. If that had been done, what do you think would have been the 
result of the attack ] 

Answei*. I think we would undoubtedly have gained the whole of the enemy's 
outer lines, and probably Petersburg, 
By Mr. Loan : 

Question. Could they have taken the line of Cemetery hill 1 

Answer. The main column should not have been bothered with the flank 
movement, but should have gone right on for the hill as soon as the road was 
clear; and it would not have been molested if the others had opened out for it. 
A similar programme to that was sketched in the order issued bj'^ General Hunt 
to the artillery, though I believe it was not in the general instructions. It was, 
probably, such an obvious matter that it was not thought worth while to 
specify it. 

Question. In regard to the levelling of the parapets and removing the abattis 
preparatory to the assault, could that have been done with ordinary prudence, 
or would it have cost an unusual loss of life ? 

Answer. It should have been done at any hazard. If that could not be done 
the whole thing would be a failure. 

Question. Did not the success of a movement of this kind depend upon its 
being a surprise, and the celerity with which the necessary operations were 
carried out '^ 

Answei-. Yes, sir. 

Question. The lines of the two armies being so near each other, as they 
were, would not any attempt to remove the abattis and lower the parapets to 
any considerable extent have attracted the attention of the enemy, and put him 
on his guard ? 

Answer. The whole thing, except making the covered ways, could have been 
done in a half an hour, and that time Avould not have benefited the enemy 
much. In fact, the more men he had got into the mine, the more would have 
been blown up. 

Question. What delay actually occurred after the explosion of the mine in 
the movement of the assaulting column, in consequence of the insuificient pre- 
parations 1 

Answer. What I meant was that the whole thing seemed to move slowly, 
and the men to straggle along up. 

Question. Did you understand the delay to be occasioned by the failure to 
remove the abattis and to lower the parapets? 

Answer. That was a part of it. I also said that the covered ways should 
have been very much wider ; that was a very important part of it ; that was 
inside of our own lines. The rear of General Burnside's troops had not got 
done moving to the front, when the head of the column was repulsed. There 
was no lack of troops, for there was no space for them to go up. If I had been 
there myself, I should have charged the enemy's lines right down to the right 
and left at once. If I could not have carried the two batteries each side of me, 
I should not have tried to do anything else. 

Question. Yet you would have felt yourself under obligations to have obeyed 
any special orders to you in regard to your action there. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Even if they had been at variance with your opinion as to what 
was judicious to have been done 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; but if I had been charged with conducting the assault, and 
those things I complain of had existed, I should consider myself personally 
blamable for it. 

Question. If you had received positive orders to the contrary ? 

Answer. No, sir ; but if I had been charged with assaulting that point, and 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 97 

I had not cleared away those obstacles, I should have considered myself at 
fault. 

Question. Was there any failure in the movement on that account 1 

Answer, Yes, sir ; enough, in my opinion, to have marred any plan. 

Question. How long was it from the time of the explosion of the mine until 
the head of General Burnside's column was in the crater ? 

Answer. That I do not know. I have heard it variously estimated from a 
few minutes to an hour. It was in the gray of the morning, and in the smoke, 
and I saw nothing of it myself. 

Question. What is your opinion based upon, when you say the troops were 
delayed ? 

Answer. As soon as I could see, I saw them going up in a straggling man- 
ner, and the rear of the column was not out of the trenches until the time I 
have mentioned. To express to you how it was, the bringing back of the 
wounded through the covered ways almost stopped the column going to the 
front. 

Question. That was inside of our lines? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; they should not have been allowed to bring any wounded 
men into our lines at that time. Check the advancing column under the fire of 
the enemy, and in my opinion it is nearly whipped then. 

Question. It is liable to be repulsed ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 



Testimony of Brevet Major General Robert B. Potter. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 

Brevet Major General Robert B. Potter sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army ? 

Answer. I am a brigadier general and a brevet major general of volunteers, 
commanding the 2d division of the 9th army corps. 

Question. Will you state to the committee, as concisely as possible, what you 
know in relation to the springing of the mine and assault upon the enemy's 
works on the 30th of July lust? 

Answer. About the 24th of June, I should think, the idea of mining under 
the enemy's works in my immediate front was suggested to me ; in fact, I had 
thought of it before, and several others had thought of the same thing. Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Pleasants, commanding the 48th Pennsylvania volunteers, came 
to my quarters and suggested to me that he was familiar with mining, and that many 
of the men in his regiment were miners, and that they thought they could under- 
mine one of the enemy's works in my immediate front. After some conversation 
with him, I wrote a communication to General Burnside, who was then my corps 
commander, suggesting this plan of mining the enemy's works, and giving some 
of the details. The general subsequently sent for me to come to his headquar- 
ters and bring Colonel Pleasants with me, which I did, and we had an inter- 
view with him. Subsequently he notified us that he had submitted the plan to 
the general commanding the army of the Potomac, who approved of the same, 
and that we were authorized to undertake the work. We then went to work 
and pushed the mine along as well as we could until, about the 17th of July, 
we were near the completi(jn of the mine. We were then under the enemy's 
works, and were directed to hold up. We diJ nothing for several days, except 
Rep. No. 114 7 



98 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

to secure the work we had already performed. Afterwards we were ordered to 
go on and finish the work and put in the charge, Avhich was completed about 
the 26th or 27th of July. On the 29th of July General Burnside sent me an 
order to report at his headquarters. Arriving there I found General Wilcox, 
who then commanded the 3d division of the 9th corps. We had some conver- 
sation about the explosion of the mine and the proposed attack; then General 
Ledlie, who commanded the 1st division, was sent for. The general plan of the 
attack, as proposed by General Burnside, was explained to us. While this in- 
terview was going on. General Meade, accompanied by General Ord and some 
staff officers, arrived, there and had some conversation of a general nature. 
General Meade stated, to some extent, his ideas as to what ought to be done. 
They left, I think, to look at the position. It was understood that General 
Ord's troops were to come up to support the attack and to relieve a portion of 
our corps. Shortly afterwards. General Meade returned. At that time General 
Burnside, I presume, had made all the suggestions he wished in regard to the 
attack, and the only qiiestiou was as to which troops should lead the attack. 
General Burnside suggested that, as we were all in the same position, the fairest 
way to decide the matter was by lot, which was accordingly done. By that 
decision General Ledlie was to lead the advance with his division, General Wil- 
cox was to follow with liis division, and I was to follow with my division after 
General Wilcox. The colored division of General Ferrero, who was not pres- 
ent at the time — General White was then temporarily in command of the 
division — was to come in last. The theory of the attack was, that after the 
explosion of the mine the leading division should advance immediately through 
the breach made in the enemy's works and attempt to seize the crest of the hill 
beyond, known as Cemetery hill; General Wilcox was then to follow through 
the breach and deploy on the left of the leading division and attempt to seize 
the line of the plank road ; my division was to pass to the right of General Led- 
lie's division and form, so as to protect his right flank, on the line of a ravine 
which ran to the right, and which it was supposed it wonld be difficult to cross ; 
then the division of General Ferrero, which was composed exclusively of colored 
troops, was to advance in case we secured a lodgment there, pass over the line of 
General Ledlie's division, and make an immediate assault on the town of Peters- 
burg. 

Some time in the course of the evening of the 29th of July, I think about nine 
o'clock, we receiA^ed General Meade's written order, and an order from General 
Burnside in conformity thereto. The general detail of those orders was in con- 
formity with the plan that had been suggested. 

During the afternoon previous I had sent for my brigade commanders and ex- 
plained the plan of attack to them, and directed them where to mass their troops, 
so that they should be prepared. One of my brigades, which held the trenches 
immediately in front of the mine, and extending around to the Norfolk railroad, 
was to have been relieved by a divisoin of General Ord's command, commanded 
by General Carr. Owing to the darkness of the night, or to some other cause, 
only two regiments of this division of General Carr had arrived by 12 o'clock 
at night. General Carr himself then came to my headquarters and told me that 
his division had got astray. I told him that as soon as it came up he should 
relieve me. He relieved a small portion of my line to the right. About two 
o'clock in the nmrning, finding that my division had not been relieved, I Ma-ote 
to General Burnside, and suggested to him that, as my troops had not been re- 
lieved, it would, perhaps, not be safe to take all the troops out of the trenches ; 
that I would relieve a portion of the brigade in the trenches, clear the trenches 
immediately in front of the mined work, leaving a strong picket line there, and 
mass that portion of the brigade relieved with the rest of the division. 

About three o'clock in the morning, just as I was? getting on my horse. Gen- 
eral Carr came to me and said that he had found the rest of his iroops, and that 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 99 

tliej would be up in half an hour. I told him I thought it would be too late 
then to change the programme. The time fixed for the explosion of the mine 
was, I think, half past three o'clock. I had my troops massed — those that were 
out of the trenches — on the right-hand side of the covered way that led from the 
rear of the line down to my line immediately in front of the mine. 

The troops of General Wilcox were massed immediately on my left. General 
Ferrero's troops, I believe, were to General Wilcox's left and rear. General 
Ord's troops were massed mostly in a woods, some 500 or 600 yards in rear of 
where I had my troops massed. I had one regiment, which had been engaged 
in making the mine, which I had received orders not to put in the attack un- 
less it Avas absolutely necessary. That regiment was in the rear, and I was 
iLsing them as a provost guard. I had a small regiment as an engineer regi- 
ment, provided with levelling t(^ols, &c. 

The mine failed to explode at the time fixed. I waited for some time, and 
finally sent to inquire what was the matter. In the mean time I received a re- 
port from the officer in charge of the mine. Colonel Pleasants, that the fuze had 
gone ,out, and that an officer and a sergeant had volunteered to go in and light it 
again. At this time it had become daylight, but the enemy showed no indications 
of having discovered the dispositions we had made for the attack. I immediately 
reported the facts to my superior, I think it was about a quarter before five 
o'clock that the explosion took place. It was then broad daylight. Immediately 
all our batteries opened. 

Finding that my column did not advance, as I had ordered, I sent to find out 
what was the difficulty. Before I got a report, however. Colonel Pleasants came 
back and told me that the first division had advanced across to the enemy's 
works, and had got into the crater of the mine and halted there, checking all the 
rest of the column. This report I sent to General Burnside. At the same 
time I sent an order to the commanding officer of my first brigade — the leading 
brigade — General Griffin, to advance to the right of the mine, if possible, and 
make an attack there on his own account; that it was important to press for- 
ward as quickly as possible before the enemy recovered. 

About midnight of the night before, I had, on my own responsibility, given 
an order to General Griffin to deploy a line of skirmishers, who were to advance 
to the right of where we were expected to make an attack, and, if they found 
the enemy were stunned by the explosion, not to wait for the advance of the 
other troops, but he was to push ahead immediately with his brigade, and make 
a lodgement to the right. I impressed upon him the importance of time, for the 
success of this movement depended mainly upon its being a surprise. 

In consequence of that order, as soon as General Griffin found that the division 
of General Ledlie was in the mine, he advanced his skirmi.shers, and followed 
with his brigade. The smoke which arose from the explosion, and the immense 
cloud of dust which hung over the place, made it almost impossible to see any- 
thing, and to some extent some of the leading regiments of his troops and those 
of General Ledlie's division got mixed up. 

The confusion was increased to some extent by the colonel of one of the lead- 
ing regiments being killed immediately after they struck the crater of the mine, 
or the lines of the enemy's works. 

Colonel White, who led the advance, and who was taken prisoner on that 
occasion, advanced promptly through the line of the enemy's works, and turned 
to the right as he was ordered. Meeting with some opposition, and finding that 
the division of General Ledlie was not advancing, he halted, and sent back for 
orders. I was still urging General Griffin to press forward as rapidly as. 
possible. 

As soon, I suppose, as my report could have reached General Burnside that 
the troops of General Ledlie had halted at the crater, he sent me a verbal order 
by an aide-de-camp to the effect that I was to advance, instead of going where 

L (UF c. 



100 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

I had intended, and attempt to carry the hill in front of the mine. This order 
I immediately communicated to my subordinate commanders, and gave such 
orders as were necessary to alter the disposition of the troops, and endeavored 
to push my column forward. But the difficulty which I had apprehended imme- 
diately occurred, viz : that as soon as we advanced into the opening in the 
enemy's lines we found it filled with men. The troops were thrown into confu- 
sion, and it was impossible to do anything with them. 

By this time, which was probably a half or three quarters of an hour after the 
explosion of the mine, the enemy had recovered from the apparent panic into 
which they had been thrown, and had opened their batteries and concentrated 
their fire upon this point. There was a very severe fire. The worst fire I saw 
came from the right. There was a battery there behind some timber which it 
was very difficult for our batteries to reach. I ordered my own batteries to 
turn their whole attention to that one, but it apparently produced no effect 
at all. 

The affair went on in this way for some time. "We were endeavoring to press 
ahead. I got three or four of my regiments across and beyond this line of the 
enemy's works, and was getting ihem into pretty good shape. I Avas convinced 
that something must be done to create a diversion and distract the enemy's 
attention from this point. I accordingly gave orders to Colonel Bliss, who com- 
manded my second brigade, to send two of his regiments to support General 
Griffin, and to take th j remainder of his brigade and make an attack on the 
right. Subsequently it was arranged that the two regiments going to the sup- 
port of General Griffin should pass into the crater, turn to the right, and sweep 
down the right of the enemy's works. This order was carried out. Colonel 
Bliss was partially successful, and we got possession of the line of the enemy's 
works to the right of the crater for the space of 200 or 300 yards, and one of 
my regiments got up within twenty or thirty yards of this battery which I was 
anxious to silence. 

At this time I wrote a despatch to General Burnside, in which I stated that 
it was my opinion from what I had seen, and from the reports which I had re- 
ceived from my subordinate officers, that too many men were being forced in 
at this one point ; that the troops there being in confusion, it was absolutely 
necessary tliat an attack should be made from some other point of the line, in 
order to divert the enemy's attention, and give us time to straighten out our 
line a little. To that despatch I never received any answer. 

.1 kept receiving these orders to push our men forward as fast as I could. 
That in substance was about all the orders I received that day, up to the time 
of the withdrawal. 

Some little time after this I received a copy of an order, which seemed to 
be a general order to division commanders, to the effect that we should attack 
at once with all our force, or press ahead with all our force at once, or some- 
thing of that kind. I was at that time doing all I could to press my division 
forward, and consequently gave very little attention to this order, as I felt sat- 
isfied I Avas already doing my own duty in regard to it. It did not occur to 
me to reflect what effect that order would have upon the other divisions ; but 
soon after this, as I was going back to report to General Burnside, I heard 
cheering, and turned around and saw the division of colored troops coming up 
to make an attack. They were advancing some distance to my left, moving 
obliquely to the right, and running parallel to the enemy's lines, who were 
firing on them. They then attempted to advance forward through the crater 
of the mine, and then to the right, where most of my men were ; some of those 
troops halted when they found the other troops lying down ; some of them ad- 
vanced up to the ground where my men were, and formed in among them. 

I'his added somewhat to the confusion. The colored troops made a very 
spirited attack, and behaved remarkably well while coming up. But the place 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 101 

they came into was a place where we could hardly hope for any success, because 
the troops were so much broken up. They got up, gained some little ground, 
and then some time elapsed in trying to straighten out the men who had got 
confused. 

I went on immediately to try and find General Burnside, and ask him not to 
send any more men there. "When I did find him, General Ord was at the same 
place. Just as I commenced to speak to him some confusion arose, and I imme- 
diately turned back and found that this division of colored troops had given 
way and was coming back I went then to look after my own division. No 
effort that I am aware of was made after that for the renewal of the attack at 
that point, more than the general order to press our troops forward. 

I was in conversation with General Burnside, to whom I had again returned, 
for I wanted to withdraw one of my brigades, the one under Colonel Bliss, 
and make an attack still further to the right. I thought that by attacking on 
the other side of the ravine, I could burst through the line and get in rear of 
the battery which was annoying me, and relieve my troops in that way. Gen- 
eral Burnside told me that he had received an order to prepare for the with- 
drawal of his troops, and that I should not take any steps until he had seen 
General Meade. 

We did nothing more then except to hold our position until I received an 
order from General Burnside to report at his headquarters General Ord's com- 
mand was withdrawing at this time. I went there and had some conversation 
with him as to our position,- &c., as to the practical difficulties in withdrawing 
our troops, and also the advantages of holding the position we had already 



We were then ordered to make arrangements for withdrawing our troops. 
Before I got back to my division — in fact, I think before I left General Burn- 
side's headquarters — the enemy made an attack on us and forced our troops out 
of the position we had gained, and we then resumed our old position. 

Question. Do you know the cause of the delay in the explosion of the mine 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; the fuzes went out where they were spliced. 

Question. Do you know the cause of that 1 

Answer. I do not ; I think there were three of the Gomez fuze ; I subse- 
quently inquired, but could not find out definitely what was the difficulty. The 
fuze, where it went out, did not seem to be wet, or anything like that, but had 
probably absorbed some of the dampness of the air. The charging of the 
mine, &c., was not strictly in accordance with the rules of engineering. The 
charge was larger than that laid down in the books, and the arrangement, iu 
some respects, was different. My recollection is, that from where the charge 
was tamped there was about forty feet length of fuze. The mine was about 
one hundred and thirty yards long. Of course it required some time before a 
man would make up his mind that the explosion would fail, and before he 
would go in the mine to examine, and it took some little time to readjust it. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. You say you think there were three fuzes ; have you any personal 
knowledge of the number of fuzes ] 

Answer. No, sir, I have not. 

Question. At the commencement of your testimony you say it was deter- 
mined by lot which division of General Burnside's corps should lead the 
advance ; do you know any reason why the colored division should not have 
led that advance ? 

Answer. General Burnside was very anxious to have the colored division 
lead the advance on that occasion. We had been discussing this thing a long 
time. The reason why that division was not allowed to lead the advance was 
this: The morning that General Meade came with General Ord to General 
Burnside's headquarters, we were discussing the plan of this attack under the 



102 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

theory that the colored division was going to take the lead. General Meade 
said, " I saw General Grant, and he agrees with me that it will not do to put 
the colored division in the lead." The reason why they were not put in was 
because General Meade would not permit it. 

Question. Were those colored troops defective in any respect 1 

Answer. Not at ail, that I know of, except that they had never been tried in 
action. 

Question. Do you know whether they had been drilled with a view to 
making this assault ? 

Answer, Yes, sir, I had seen them drilling, and had discussed the matter 
with General Ferrero, and had seen the plan for the assault. 

Question. I will ask you, as a military man, whether those colored troops 
were competent to make that assault at that time ? 

Answer. In my opinion they were the most fit troops in the corps, at that 
time, to make that assault. 

Question. What kind of service had the white troops been rendering 1 Was 
it, or not, of an exhaustive nature, tending to reduce the morale and spirit o f 
the troops in reference to making an assault at that time ? 

Answer, The white troops of the corps had been in the trenches from the 19t.h 
of June,under the immediate fire of the enemy, which at that time was very severe. 
Our losses were very considerable indeed. The weather was very hot, and the 
labor of building works, &c,, was very exhaustive. In fact, the troops were in 
very bad condition physically. The losses on the line around Petersburg at 
that time, from the heavy fire of the enemy, were principally confined, I think, 
to the ninth and eighteenth corps. Before taking up this position they had been 
very heavily engaged on the 17th and 18th of June, and had lost very heavily. 

Question. What was the spirit of the troops, owing to this exhaustive labor — 
higher or lower than was usual with that command t 

Answer. I think it was lower than was usual with them. 

Question. What had the colored troops been doing 1 

Answer. They had been in the rear. I do not think they had been doing 
anything in particular. They had principally been drilling with a view to 
making this assault. They slashed considerable timber and built some works 
on the left. 

Question. Was their morale high or low, comparatively speaking 1 

Answer. As far as I could judge it was very good. 

Question. What troops of the enemy were they who fired upon our troops as 
they entered the crater ? And how long was it from the time our troops 
entered the crater of the mine until the enemy opened fire upon them ? 

Answer. The musketry fire opened immediately ; the enemy's artillery did 
not reply for some time ; I think it was fifteen or twenty minutes before I 
noticed any artillery firing. 

Question. What troops of the enemy opened fire ? 

Answei". The troops occupying that line of works. 

Question. Do you know any reason why our troops upon the right of Gen- 
eral Burnside's line did not attack the troops of the enemy opposite to them? 

Answer. I do not know any reason, except from hearsay. 

Question. Do you know of any military reason why they should not have 
been ordered to do so 1 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Was there any military obstruction or obstacle that would have 
rendered it injudicious to have given such an order 1 

Answer. Not that I could see. The enemy's works were very strong ; I can- 
not say anything more than that. 

Question. That you may understand the object I have in view in making 
these inquiries, I will say that I understand the lines of the two armies, where 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 103 

the mine was, were opposed to each other and about a hundred yards apart, and 
it was the business of those confronting each other to hold their respective lines. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Now at the time that General Burnside made his assault, was it 
judicious for the commands on his right and left to have attacked the enemy's 
troops in their immediate front, and to have kept them engaged so as to prevent 
their firing upon General Buruside's advancing column? 

Answer. In my opinion it was. 

Question. Do you know of any military reason why such orders might not 
have been judiciously given? 

Answer. I think it probable that our line to the right was rather weakly held. 

Question. Who was in command on the right 1 

Answer. I think that General Mott's division of General Hancock's corps 
occupied the line to our right. The troops of General Ord which had been hold- 
ing the line to our right had been massed to support this attack, and the posi- 
tion they had held had been taken by this division of General Mott, which I 
think had been drawn from the north side of the James for the purpose of re- 
lieving Gen. Ord's troops. The explosion of the mine and the assault follow- 
ing it had been preceded by a diversion by General Hancock upon the north 
side of the James. General Hancock himself that day was on that part of our 
line, to the right. 

Question. Were the troops under his command brought into action that day 
in any way ? 

Answer. Not that I am aware of. 

Question. At what time did you receive orders to withdraw your command 
from that assault ? 

Answer. 1 think it must have been about mid-day. 

Question. Do you, as a military man, think that any advantage could have 
been gained by continuing the contest longer on that day ] 

Answer. Not at that point. 

Question. Would a longer continuance of the contest, with the troops capa- 
ble of fighting, have been of any benefit in relieving those in the crater of the 
mine from the confusion into which they had been thrown ? 

Answer. A demonstration on our right and left I think would have relieved us. 

Question. Was it possible to have made that demonstration with any troops 
that were available at that time 1 

Answer. I think so. 



Testimony of hieutenant Colonel Charles G. Loring. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 
Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Loring sworn and examined. 

By Mr. Chandler : 
Question. What is your rank and position in the army? 
Answer. Lieutenant colonel and assistant inspector general of the 9th army 
corps. 

Question. Did you hold that position on the 30th of July last ? 
Answer. I did. 

Question. Will you state concisely the facts within your knowledge in rela- 
tion to the assault made by the 9th corps on that day? 

Answer. I had made, with Colonel Van Buren, the position of the enemy a 
subject of special study ; and therefore, on that occasion, I volunteered to go in 
with the first division that was to go in. The plan of the attack was changed 



104 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

from that first decided upon by General Burnside. His plan had been to have 
the colored division, under General Ferrero, lead the assault, and to have the 
attack made with a certain formation of the troops engaged. Both of those 
points were countermanded on the day previous to the actual assault. The 
reason for selecting the colored troops to lead in the assault, I suppose, was in some 
slight measure due to an opinion I had expressed, as follows : Some time pre- 
vious to the intended assault I officially informed General Burnside that, in my 
opinion, the white troops of his corps were not in a fit condition to make the 
assault; that many of them had been for six weeks in close proximity to the 
enemy's lines, within one hundred and thirty yards ; that all of them had been 
very near the enemy's fire ; and that when troops are exposed, as they were, 
day and night for six weeks to an incessant fire, it is impossible that they 
should have the same spirit as fresh troops. In addition to that, before sitting 
down before the enemy's lines, they had been very much worn by the long and 
arduous campaign, in which, as I considered, the 9th corps had performed more 
arduous services than the other corps. But even if they had been fresh when 
they had arrived before Petersburg, the experience of those six weeks — during 
which they had been under fire day and night without cessation, so that it was 
impossible to go to the rear even to attend to the calls of nature without being 
exposed to. being killed on the spot; during which period their losses had aver- 
aged over thirty (30) per day, amounting in the whole to one man in eight — 
was enough at least to weaken the zeal of the men. For this reason, princi- 
pally, General Burnside selected to lead the assault the colored division, which 
up to that time liad never been under any serious fire. Parts of it had been 
engaged in one or two little skirmishes, but the division had never been under 
any serious fire. That division was therefore selected upon the principle that 
fresh troops are much better to make an assault than old but worn-out troops. 
This plan was changed at noon of the day previous to the assault, and the 
first division of Avhite .troops, under General Ledlie, was selected to lead the 
attack the next morning. 

At about half past two o'clock of the morning of the 30th I went with Gen- 
eral Ledlie down to the front line, and we took our position very near the line, 
close in rear (,f it, with his division, waiting for the mine to explode. There 
was a delay of perhaps three-quarters of an hour in the explosion of the 
mine. But I do not think the enemy discovered at all that we had made 
any unusual preparations. As soon as the explosion took p^ace the division 
started to go in. But it was not with the formation that General Burnside had 
desired, nor Avith exactly the same object. General Burnside's plan had been 
to throw in a column, the two leading regiments of which were to wheel, the 
one to the right and the other to the left, and sweep down the enemy's lines on 
either side, while the main body were to press on to the top of the hill beyond 
the crater of the mine. This formation, as I understand, was altered by orders 
from headquarters. The first brigade that went in started from our lines in 
three lines, with instructions to the brigade commander, as a,lso to the com- 
mander of the second brigade, to push on at once for the top of Cemetery hill. 
I crossed over myself while the brigade which started second (being the first 
brigade) was passing out of our lines, and went into the crater of the mine, 
where I found the brigade that first started (being the second brigade) crowded 
together. The crater presented an obstacle of fearful magnitude. I suppose it 
was a hole of about 200 feet in length, by perhaps 50 or 60 feet in width, and 
nearly 30 feet in depth. The sides of it were composed of jagged masses of 
clay projecting from loose sand. The upper surface had been of sand, Avith a 
lower stratum of clay. It was an obstacle which it was perfectly impossible for 
any military organization to pass over intact, even if not exposed to fire. The 
whole brigade was broken up in confusion, and had utterly lost its organization. 
The ofiicers were endeavoring to reform their men, but it was an exceedingly 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEKSBURG. 105 

difficult operation. I remained ttere for about ten minutes. By that time the 
rest of the division had come up, and the whole of the first division was in the 
crater or lines immediately adjoining. It was all in the same contused condition. 
I vpent back to report to General Ledlie the condition his division was in, and 
to see if he could not rectify it. I then went up and told General Burnside of the 
state of affairs. From that time forward my position was mostly near General 
Ledlie in our old front line. As to what occurred with General Potter's division 
I cannot say, as that was some distance from where we were placed. Nor did 
I have any particular connexion with any other transactions until the ordering 
in of the colored division, which I think took place about half past seven o'clock. 
I cannot be precise as to the time, for I have not my notes with me. The 
troops in the crater of the mine had remained in confusion. They had spread 
themselves for a short distance both on the right and left of the crater, though 
it was exceedingly difficult for them to do so. The lines of the enemy were 
found to be of the most intricate nature. There was one uniform front line ; 
then in the rear there were various lines, traverses between, and bomb-proofs. 
It was more like a honey-comb than anything that can be seen on our lines ; so 
that it was exceedingly difficult for troops to spread themselves either way, 
either to the right or to the left. It had to be done, not by any movement of 
a mass of troops, but by hand-to-hand fighting. All that I know of what took 
place beyond those lines I know from hearsay only, as the lines were so high 
as to cut off the view. I know from reports brought to me by others that our 
troops made several attempts to get up the hill, but I did not see that myself 

Nothing especial occurred, so far as I saw, until about half past seven o'clock, 
when the colored division was ordered in. At that time I was standing in our 
front line. General Ferrero, who commanded the colored division, was standing 
near me when the order was brought to him, by one of General Burnside's staff, 
to lead his division also into the crater, and to push for the top of the hill. The 
order struck me as being so unfortunate that I took the liberty to countermand 
it on the spot. General Ferrero hesitated, as he said here was a positive order 
from General Burnside. I told him that I was the senior staff-officer present, 
and that, in General Burnside's name, I would countermand the order until I 
could go up and inform General Burnside of the state of affairs. 

I went up and represented to General Burnside that this colored division 
could not be expected to pass the lines of the old troops ; that it was impossible 
to expect green troops to succeed where old troops had failed before them; and 
furthermore, that, instead of accomplishing any good result, they would only 
throw into confusion the white troops that were already in that line and holding 
it. General Burnside did not reply to me, as he usually does to his staff officers, 
by stating his reasons for disagreeing with them, but simply repeated his pre- 
vious order. 

That evening, after the affair was all over. General Burnside showed me a 
written order from General Meade, directing him to throw in all his troops and 
push for the top of Cemetery hill ; and he added that under those instructions 
he felt that he could not have done otherwise than he did. 

The colored division went in very gallantly indeed. The fire of the enemy, 
at that time, was exceedingly heavy, especially from some battened in a ravine 
on the right, and also from some batteries on our left. There was consequently 
a cross-fire directed upon the ground over which the colored division had to 
pass. Besides that, they were exposed to a cross-fire of infimtry. 

They went in very gallantly. I think it was about half an hour after that 
that they came running back in confusion. I understood that not only were 
they driven back in confusion, but it entailed also a heavy loss upon the white 
troops then in the enemy's line of Avorks, and who came out with the colored 
troops. 

I remained at the front until towards noon, when General Burnside ordered 



106 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

all his division commanders to report at his headquarters, he having received a 
peremptory order to cease aggressive operations and withdraw his troops. He 
directed me to carry the order down to the front line, and to send it in to the 
troops that were in the crater. I think the officer who carried the order to the 
brigade commanders of General Potter's division was the only officer who suc- 
ceeded in getting in. The order was sent in, and indorsements were put upon 
it by the various brigade commanders then in the crater. One only advised 
waiting until night; the others advised immediate evacuation when they found 
that it was intended by the general commanding that the line should be evac- 
uated, and not permanently held. 

After General Burnside had received the order that offensive movements 
should cease, and while his men were yet struggling in the crater, the troops of 
General Ord, stationed in rear of the mine as a support to the 9th corps, Avere 
the greater part withdrawn, and in such way as to disclose the movement to the 
enemy. 

Soon after this order came in the enemy prepared another charge, and the 
brigade commanders decided to evacuate at once, which was done, leaving, I 
believe, many in the crater, who were taken prisoners. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. What troops went into the crater of the mine besides those of 
General Ledlie's division? 

Answer. General Ledlie's division was to go in first; the whole of that divi- 
sion went into the crater, or lines immediately adjoining. General Potter's 
division was to go in next, but to go in on the right of the other. I did not 
see them, and I do not know how many of them went into the crater. I simply 
saw the head of the column going in. I understood that they all went into the 
enemy's lines, but I cannot say positively about that. General Wilcox's divi- 
sion also went in, at the same place where General Ledlie's division went in. 
I think four- of his regiments — I am not sure of the number — failed to get in. 
In starting from our line, they bore off too much to the left and came back to 
our own line, and did not go in. I think that, with that exception, the whole 
of General Wilcox's division went into the enemy's lines. The regiments of 
his division went in at different times, not as a division, but disjointedly. And 
at half past seven, about two hours and a half after the mine exploded, the 
whole of the colored division went in at the same point. 

Question. How many of those troops gained the high ground beyond the 
crater, within the enemy's lines — the ground outside of the crater? 

Answer. I cannot say how many. They made a great many attempts to 
charge up the hill, but how far they reached I cannot say, because I was not 
with them. I was not in the crater at the time they made any of their charges ; 
only those on the spot could answer that question. 

Question. Are you able to state how many of our troops were in the crater 
at the time the order to retreat was given 1 

Answer. I am not. 

Question. Can you tell what the men were doing in the crater from the time 
General Ledlie's division entered it until the order to withdraw was given ? 

Answer. Tliey immediately prepared the ground in front to protect themselves, 
and those who had arms and ammunition prepared to defend themselves. 

Question. That would be only one line, at the lips of the crater ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and they also held a long stretch of the enemy's lines, to the 
right and left of the crater. 

Question, What troops? 

Answer, General Potter's troops held the line on the right, and General Wil- 
cox's troops that on the left. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURa. 107 

Question. Were those lines held by troops that had originally gone into the 
crater of the mine? 

Answer. No, sir; almost all of the first division were collected together in the 
crater; some few of them wei-e on the right ; the most of General Potter's com- 
mand were on the right ; almost all of General Wilcox's command were on the 
left ; some few of them were also in the crater. Two guns of the enemy were 
dug out of the ruins and turned against the enemy. At one time we held at 
least 400 or 500 yards of the enemy's lines, the crater in about the centre. 

Question. Do you know where the troops of the enemy opposed to our troops 
in the crater were brought from 1 

Answer. When the column first went into the crater there was very little op- 
position. But the enemy's infantry remained within their lines within 200 feet 
of the crater; I myself saw them within 200 feet of the crater. They remained 
there when we went in, until gradually driven out, man by man, and our line 
spread in that way. After we had been there some time the enemy brought 
some troops to the top of the hill. There were two slight earthworks there in 
which they had mounted field-pieces, which fired shrapuell and canister all the 
morning. They came to the top of the hill, and then down a covered way which 
was on the right, which covered way they used as a breast-work. It connected 
with their lines, and from that they fired the whole time. 

Question. Was there any eminence which commanded the crater, or were our 
men in the crater protected 1 

Answer. The men in the crater could be protected from direct fire by standing 
down in the bottom of it, but those standing on the top of the crater were exposed 
to a steady fire of canister from the hill beyond, which was decidedly higher than 
the crater, and the enemy brought their mortars to bear upon the crater, so as to 
drop their shells right over it. 

Question. If I understood you rightly, you stated that on the day before the 
assault the plan of attack, as well as the tactical arrangement of the troops, were 
changed? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. By what kind of an order, verbal or written ; and by whom was 
the order given? 

Answer. So far as I know it was only a verbal order. General Meade came 
to General Burnside's headquarters at about noon of the day previous to the 
assault, and there gave the order. 

Question. Did you hear General Meade give the order? 

Answer. I was not present. 

Question. Then all you know about it is from information derived from others ; 

Answer, Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Chandler: 

Question. Do you know the cause of the delay in the explosion of the mine ? 

Answer. While we were waiting there, I wrote to Colonel Pleasants, asking 
the cause of the delay. He replied to me that the fuze had gone out at a place 
where it had been spliced together ; that he had sent some one in to rectify it — to 
rejoin it and relight it — and that it would go off at a certain time which he named, 
which time it did go off. 

Question. Were there one or more fuzes '? 

Answer. I think there were two laid, but I am not certain. 

Question. You have no personal knowledge of that ? 

Answer. No, sir. I wish to say a word in relation to the enemy's artillery 
fire. I understand an officer of high authority has said that the enemy's artil- 
lery fire was silenced during the latter part of that affair. I can only say that 
it is the opinion of one who could not have been in the front line that day. I 
was myself in our front line, except for the short time that I was in the crater. 



108 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE tBEFORE PETERSBURG. 

and the short time when I went to reports to General Burnside on two or three 
occasions ; with those exceptions, I was in the front line the whole of that morn- 
ing, and I know that the enemy kept vp a very steady and heavy fire of artillery 
from both the left and the right, raking the whole of the ground from our line 
to the crater of the mine ; and further, that from the hill in front of the crater 
they kept up a steady stream of shrapnel and canister, whenever any demon- 
stration was made by our troops. I can testify to this very positively, as I was 
present on the spot. 



Testimony of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Van Buren. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 
Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Van Buren sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler ; 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army 1 

Answer. I am a major and additional aide-de-camp, and brevet lieutenant col- 
onel. 

Question. What was your position on the 30th of July last? 

Answer. Major, and aide-de-camp on the staff of Major General Burnside, 
then commanding the 9th corps. 

Question. Will you state, as concisely as possible, what you know in regard 
to the action of that day 1 

Answer. On the night before the assault I was detailed by General Burnside 
to be with General Potter, who commanded the second division of the 9th corps. 
There was a staff officer detailed to each division. I reported to General Potter 
about half past two o'clock on Saturday morning, the day of the assault, and 
went with him to the front line where the reserves were massed. On the way 
there we met an officer from Colonel Pleasants, who reported that the mine had 
been fired and would explode at 3.41 a. m. After waiting a certain time and hear- 
ing no explosion. General Potter sent down to inquire about it, and I went over 
and reported to General Burnside that General Potter had sent down. I then 
returned to General Potter. An officer from Colonel Pleasants reported that 
the fuze had gone out, but he had had it relighted, and the mine would explode 
in a certain number of minutes. I went back to General Burnside and reported 
this to him, and to Captain Jay, of General Meade's staff, who had been sent 
by General Meade to ascertain the cause of the delay in the explosion ; and 
while I was there, at 4.42 a. m., the mine exploded. I then returned to Gen- 
eral Potter, and remained with him I should suppose for one hour, report- 
ing to General Burnside by letter any information that came to me in re- 
gard to General Potter's troops. General Potter's division was the second 
in the order of attack in the assault that followed the explosion. About 
seven o'clock I told General Potter I thought I would go down myself and 
see what I could ascertain, and I went down to our iront line. While I was 
there Captain Harris, of our staff, came and asked for General Ledlie, who com- 
manded the division that led the assault; I told him I was just going over to the 
crater, and would take over any orders to him. Captain Harris had orders 
from General Burnside that General Ledlie must push forward his division at 
once. I went over to the crater, but did not find General Ledlie there; I saw 
his two brigade commanders. General Bartlett and Colonel Marshall, and com- 
municated the orders to them ; soon afterwards a staff officer came in from General 
Ledlie with the same orders. After some little delay Colonel Marshall said to me 
that he did not think he could advance from where he was ; that the enemy were 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 109 

on his flank. I told him I would go down with him and look at his line. As 
you go out of the crater of the mine you come into a labyrinth of bomb-proofa 
and magazines with passages between. The enemy's rear line was about twenty- 
five yards in rear of their front line, and between them were these bomb-proofs, 
making a very bad place for troops to pass over. In that way for about three 
hundred yards our first division was crowded in some confusion ; beyond this 
came the high rear line, and on the other side of that was the enemy's covered 
way, and in that the most of General Potter's division. I went down the 
line to the right, about three hundred yards, to where the line crooked, and just 
the other side of the lin<3 were the enemy, and quite sharp firing was going on. 
Colonel Marshall told me that he did n(jt see how he could charge with those 
men on his flank ; I told him that the orders were imperative, and the charge 
on the crest must be made. We formed a line of his brigade on the right, and 
General Bartlett's brigade on the left, so far as we could on the bad ground, and 
charged, but, meeting a very heavy fire, the line broke and fell back. I then 
assisted Colonel Marshall in reforming his men. While we were reforming 
Colonel Marshall's brigade along the enemy's line, the head of the colored division 
came over the crest of the crater right down this line, and knocked all to pieces 
the formation we had secured. Colonel Bates, in command of one of the colored 
regiments, was at the head of this colored column. Colonel Bates apparently 
did not know where he was goiug to strike for. 1 pointed out a white house on 
Cemetery hill as the objective point. It seemed to me that by detaching a 
force, and charging down the line at the same time that we charged in front, we 
should probably capture the enemy's men on the right who were annoying us. 
I started back towards the crater ; when I got very near there, I saw the move- 
ment of this colored column, jumping out from the enemy's line towards our 
line in the rear, and striking off towards the right. They carried about two 
hundred yards of the enemy's lines, capturing a color and quite a number of 
prisoners. I went with them as far as they went, and then came back to the 
crater to see the otficers there. Just as I got to the crater the second brigade 
of the colored division came across, going right through the crater and some- 
what to the right, and right over the tops of the bomb-proofs, and over the 
men of the first division. They came on in good style, under a sharp fire, but 
were much broken and disordered by the unfavorable ground and the crowded 
condition of the pits. All this time the fire of the enemy was very heavy. 
There were two guns in what was known as the fort on the left of the New 
Market road, and two guns just across a ravine to the right. They were throw- 
ing canister and shrapnell in there in a very lively way. There was some mortar 
firing also. 

I then saw Colonel Sigfried, who commanded the right brigade of the colored 
division, and Col. Thomas, who commanded the left brigade. General Ferrero 
was not there. I gave them their instructions for the final charge of the whole 
division. I instructed Colonel Thomas to form his brigade as far to the front 
as he possibly could ; Col. Sigfried to form on his right, and then to charge di- 
rectly for Cemetery hill. I instructed Colonel Marshall and Gen. Bartlett to 
form their brigades, as much as the nature of the ground would permit, in the 
rear of the colored division, and support the charge. 

I suppose this must have been about a quarter to nine o'clock. Having made 
these arrangements I started back to report to General Burnside. But the dif- 
ficulties in the way of getting back were so great, the firing being very heavy, 
and the covered way being crowded with the troops of the eighteenth corps, 
that it took me a very long time to get up. Before I got up there the colored 
division had made their charge and been repulsed. 

Then occurred the trouble that had been anticipated. When they fell back 
into the enemy's lines, which were already c-rowded with the troops of the white 
divisions, and with their own stragglers, their formation was utterly broken up. 



110 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

They lost coherence, and a great part of the colored division came surging back 
in confusion. 

I saw General Burnside and reported to him all that I had done. In the 
course of twenty minutes after that came an order from General Meade for the 
withdrawal of the troops, which finished the operations for the day. 

We stayed around there long enough to attend to anything that had to be done, 
and then we went back. 

Question. What was the cause of the delay in the explosion of the mine ? 

AnsAver. A failure to burn at a place where the fuze was spliced. The fuze 
came out, and of course it had to be spliced, and at one of the places of junction 
it had failed to burn. 

Question. In how many pieces did you receive the fuzel 

Answer. I knew at the time, but I would not pretend to state now. 

Question. Do you know whether there was more than one fuze laid to fire 
the charge in the mine ? 

Answer The fuze was laid in a trough of powder; if the one did not go ofi 
the other would. I would not be certain about the number of fuzes. 



Testimony of Major General H. J. Hunt. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Biforc Petershurg, Fa., D cember 20, 1864. 

Major General H. J. Hunt sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler: 

Question. What is your position and rank in the army 1 

Answer. I am a major general, commanding the artillery of the army of the 
Potomac. 

Question. Will you state what information you have in regard to the attack 
on the 30th of July last on the enemy's lines before Petersburg? 

Answer. About the 3d of July I was ordered, in conjunction with Major 
Daane, of the engineers, to make an examination of the lines of the enemy 
facing east in front of Petersburg, and to ascertain whether an assault was 
practicable, especially in front of Genemls Burnside and Warren. I made the 
examination with Major Duane, and reported, I think on the 6th of July, that 
an open assault would be very dangerous, and that it would be better to have 
our approaches partake rather of the nature of regular approaches. This was 
ordered to be executed, and proper measures were taken by Major Duane and 
myself to carry them on so far as the means would permit. There were not 
sufficient troops to extend our left sufficiently to embrace the angle of the enemy's 
works, where their lines turn and run towards the west. The work was conse- 
quently slow. About the 28th of July, after the principal batteries had been 
erected, orders were issued for an attack on the position of the enemy in front of 
General Burnside's line, as a mine which he had constnicted, and which it was 
meant to work into the operation, had been completed. It was necessary, in order 
that the assault should be successful at the point indicated, that the angle of the 
enemy's lines of which I have spoken should be in our possession, or that such 
preparation should be made as should suppress his fire at that point, h's principal 
batteries being those, and from that position the whole ground in front of our 
line could be swept. From the want of troops to envelop that position, it was 
impracticable to carry forward approaches against that angle so as to get it in 
our possession. I therefore limited myself to bringing such a weight of artillery 
to bear upon it as would keep down its fire, and also to keep down the fire along 
the whole of the enemy's lines upon which was placed the battery which had 
been undermined. The plan of General Burnside, who was to make the assault, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. Ill 

as given to me by him, was to send forward a heavy column of troops, so ar- 
ranged, that as soon as the explosion should take place, or the mine was sprung-, 
they would pass over the mine and form to the right and left perpendicularly, 
and sweep down the enemy's lines. The troops with which he intended to as- 
sault Petersburg were to advance immediately after the others, assault the battery 
behind the mine on the crest held by the enemy, and pass on from there into 
Petersburg. My preparations were all made on the 2Sth of July, and examined 
and verified on the 29th. On the morning of the 30th the mine was sprung a 
little over an hour after the time appointed. The artillery opened as directed, 
and succeeded remarkably in keeping down the enemy's fire, as he was evidently 
surprised. There Avas one battery upon the crest behind the mine, which 
opened at intervals, but which was always silenced after firing not moi-e than 
two or three rounds. The battery next to the one undermined, on the left, as 
we looked at it, was silenced, with the exception of one or two guns in a hollow, 
near the left flank of the battery next the mine. From this gun, or perhaps two 
guns, a fire was kept up at intervals on the position of the crater of the mine. 
That battery was one, as I understood it, that was to have been in our posses- 
sion within ten or fifteen minutes after the explosion of the mine ; that is, as 
soon as troops could pass from the crater and sweep to the left and get possession 
of it. The position of the guns which, if any, would have commanded that 
hollow, was immediately behind the mine, and between that position and the 
enemy's battery there was a fringe of woods which was to have been cut away 
by General Burnside's troops, but which had not been cut away down to the 
29th, when I sent down to see if all the preparations had been made. General 
Burnside declined cutting away that wood, as so doing would alarm the enemy. 
I could not see very clearly what took place about the mine, as 1 had to look 
after my own guns, which covered a very large extent of ground. But after 
some delay, an hour and a half I suppose, I saw portions of the troops that had 
formed close to the enemy's lines. I did not see them advance beyond the 
enemy's line. About 8 or half past S o'clock, or rather in the course of the 
moiuing, for I will not be positive about the time, an order Avas given for the 
troops to charge. 

Question. You spoke about a delay in the explosion of the mine. Do you 
know the cause of that delay? 

Answer. I understood at the time that it was owing to the fuze which led to 
the mine having become broken. 

Question. Do you know whether there was one or more fuzes laid to the 
charge in the mine] 

Answer. I do not know how many fuzes were placed in it. I furnished 
safety fuzes enough to make three or four lines. But I understood that it was 
determined, instead of using this safety fuze, to use a wooden pipe filled with 
powder. But I cannot speak positively as to that. 

Qeustion. Do you know the condition of the fuze that was furnished ; was 
it in good condition, and in a few or many pieces ? 

Answer. I do not know in what pieces it was furnished. I know there were 
some hundred yards of it. I did not see it myself; I ordered it from City Point 
to General Burnside, and that order was handed over to the ordnance officer. 
It was sent by the ordnance officer at City Point to the ordnance officer of 
General Burnside's corps, Captain Harris, I believe. 



112 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG, 

Testimony of Brevet Colonel James C. Duane. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 
Before Petersburg, Va., December 20, 1864. 

Brevet Colonel James 0. Duane sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army ? 

Answer. I am a major of engineers, and brevet colonel, and acting chief 
engineer of the army of" the Potomac. 

Question. Will you state what you know about the attack upon the enemy's 
lines before Petersburg, on the 30th of July last 1 

Answer. Orders were given to concentrate all our fire in order to silence 
the enemy's fire while General Burnside's operations were going on after the 
explosion of the mine. The position I had at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 
30th was on General Warren's line; I was assisting General Abbott in directing 
his fire. The ISth corps was massed in rear and a little to the right of tlie 9th 
corps. A portion of the 5th corps was massed along the line of the Norfolk 
railroad, in the cut, ready to support the attack of the 9 th corps. As soon as 
the explosion took place, all the guns on the line of the 5th corps opened fire 
and completely silenced the enemy's fire. I remained on the line of the 5th 
corps until nearly 8 o'clock, during which time we kept up a constant fire. I 
then proceeded to General Warren's headquarters. When I arrived there, I 
found that the troops that had proceeded to the crater of the mine were falling 
back. With regard to the operations of the 9th corps I had very little to do. 
General Eurnside took on himself the entire charge of the engineering opera- 
tions there. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. What in your opinion was the cause of the failure of the attack ? 

Answer. I think the difficulty was, that proper measures had not been taken 
to clear away the obstructions both in front of our own line and the enemy's 
line ; and also in making the attack by the flank instead of in columns. 

Question. What number of columns do you think the assaulting force should 
have been composed of ? 

Answer. I think they should have gone up in three columns. 

Question. In what relation to each other do you think those columns should 
have been ? 

Answer. The leading or centre column should have gone to the crater of the 
mine, and removed the obstructions so as to have allowed a column on the right 
and one on the left to have followed immediately after. 

Question. At what distance from each other ? 

Answer. The distance at that point could not have been greater probably 
than 150 yards on each side. 

Question. Of what strength should those columns have been ? 

Answer. Each a division of a corps. I had supposed that the arrangement 
was that the whole of the 9th corps should have gone in, and the portion of the 
5th corps that was massed for its support, and the whole of the 18th corps, to 
have gone in immediately after. 

Question. Was there any other cause, in your judgment, that contributed to 
the disaster of that day 1 

Answer. I cannot state about that. I was not at the point where the mine 
was exploded. All I know about that is from hearsay. 

Question. Did you receive any instructions to make an examination with 
General Hunt, chief of artillery, as to the front of the rebel line in regard to 
the placing of the artillery prior to the attack ? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG, 113 

Answer. We had a general order to take charge of that line. 

Question. At what time was that order given 1 

Answer. I forget the date; but it must have been some two or three weeks 
previously. 

Question. Did you make an examination with a view to the springing of this 
mine, and making this assault ? 

Answer. Towards the latter part of the time such examination was made. 
The first order in the beginning of July was to make an examination in reference 
to a general attack. 

Question. Was there any special order given to you and General Hunt to 
examine the rebel line in front of the 5th corps, with a view of silencing the 
rebel batteries, while the assault was being made by the 9th corps 1 

Answer. Yes, sir; there was. 

Question. Who issued that order, and at what time was it issned ? 

Answer. I think it was given to me verbally . I am not certain whether it 
was by General Meade himself or by his chief of staff. 

Question. It was issued by General Meade's authority ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. About how long, previous to the time when the assault was made ? 

Answer. I should think it was about ten days; I am not certain about the 
time. We had ample time, however, to establish our batteries and put in po- 
sition all the guns that could be placed in that line. 

Question. And if I understand you rightly, the batteries on the rebel right, 
in front of General Warren's corps, were effectually silenced at the time of the 
attack ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I was enabled, in about a half an hour, to stand on top of 
the parapet. The enemy's batteries were effectually silenced. 

Question. What position did the enemy's batteries occupy that were firing 
upon our troops in the crater of the mine ? 

Answer. There were two guns which took a position in a ravine — two field- 
pieces which were run down there, and which commenced firing about an hour 
ifter we had taken possession of the crater ; at least that Avas the first I saw 
3f their firing; they may have fired previously to that time. 

Question. Those were the only two guns upon our left which fired upon our 
troops in the crater 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What other guns of the enemy were there that fired upon our 
troops in the crater ? 

Answer. There Avere some guns over on the right, but I could not see what 
they were from my position. 



Testimomj of Major General E. O. C. Ord. 

City Point, Fa., December 20, 1864. 
Major General E. 0. C. Ord sworn and examined. 

By Mr. Chandler : , 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army ? 
Answer. Major general, now in command of the 24th army corps. 
Question. What was your command on the 30th of July last? 
Answer. I was then in command of the I8th army corps, and of a part of the 
10th army corps. 

Question. Will you state such facts as may have come to your knowledge, and 
svhich you may deem important, in relation to the attack by the 9th corps on 
the enemy's lines before Petersburg, on the 30th of July last? 
Rep. No. 114. 8 



114 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. I will read the report which I made of that affair, and then I will 
auswer such additional questions as you may think proper to ask. 

Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps, 

Near Petersburg, August 3, 1864. 

General : In obedience to orders from General Meade (to whom I w^as or- 
dered to report) the 1st and 3d divisions of the 18th corps were, on the night 
of the 29th of July, placed in the trenches of General Burnside's front, re- 
lieving portions of his command as trench guards, that the 9th corps might 
prepare to assault the enemy's line next a. m. The 2d division 10th corps, 
Brigadier General Turner commanding, and the 2d division 18th corps. Briga- 
dier General Ames commanding, were placed in rear of General Burnside's corps 
as reserve supports, and in positions selected by him. Their orders were to 
await orders, to be sent as soon as the result of the assault next morning by the 
9th corps could decide where supports might be needed. 

About 5 o'clock a. m., 30th of July, the mine in front of the 9th corps sprung, 
and I took my pos tion near General Burnside awaiting the result of his assault, 
and with an understanding that as soon as his corps could get oixt, General 
Turner was to follow his (Burnside's) rear division and support it on the right, 
beyond our lines. About 6 o'clock, General Burnside told me it was time for 
General Turner to move, and I directed General Turner accordingly; but the 
general got ahead of Potter's division, 9th corps, and was obliged to wait until 
it had passed. To understand the manner of the movement, I quote General 
Burnside's order, dated July 29, for the assault, Avhich says: 

1. " The mine will be exploded to-morrow morning at half past three. * * * 

2. " General Ledlie will immediately, upon the explosion of the mine, move 
his troops forward. # * * * 

3. " General Wilcox will move his division forward after General Ledlie has 
passed through the first line of the enemy's works, bearing off to the east. * * * 

4. " General Potter will move his division forward to the right of General 
Ledlie's as soon as it is apparent that he will not interfere with the movement 
of General Wilcox's division, and will, as near as possible, protect the right 
flank of General Ledlie's from any attack in that quarter, and establish a line 
on the crest of a hill which seems to run from the C.metery hill, nearly at right 
angles to the enemy's main line, directly in our front. * * * * 

5. " General Ferrero will move his division immediately after General Wil- 
cox until he reaches our present advance line, where he will remain until the 
ground in his front is entirely cleared by the other three divisions, when he will 
move forward over the same ground that General Ledlie moved over, will pass 
through our lines, and, if possible, move down and occu}>y the village to our 
riglit." 

Thus it will be seen that all three of his rear divisions had to follow each the 
action of those in its front; and I learned afterwards that the passage out and 
to our front line of breastworks was by a long trench or covered way and through 
a breach in our works. Hence the movements were slow, and there was delay 
especially after the enemy had massed his men, and our wounded coming 
from the front, began to choke this covered way. About half past six a. m., 
having sent General Turner, commanding my advance division, an order to move 
forward on the crest of hill to right of Potter, (see the above order directing 
General Potter to establish a line on the crest of tlie hill,) near or on the Jerusa- 
lem plank road, in reply to this General Turner reported that General Burn- 
side's troops filled the trenches in his front, occupying the crater and blocking 
up the way. About this time, or shortly after, 1 received an order directly 
from General Meade's headquarters, as follows : 

"You will at once move forward your corps rapidly to the crest of the hill, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MIXE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 115 

intlependently of General Bnniside's troops, tand make a lodgement there, re- 
porting tlie result as soou as obtained." 

This order I sent at once to Generals Turner and Ames. The latter was 
with ids division closing up on Turner, and keeping his men massed for a move- 
ment in any direction. General Turner replied : 

" The only place I can get out of the lines is opposite the crater. It is 
already full of men who cannot develop. I shall put in my column as soon as 
I can. It is impossible, by reason of the topograpliy, to charge in the manner 
you indicate. I must go in by head of column and develop to the right." 

From General Ames I received the following : 

" I find that the covered way is the only way of getting to the front. Gen- 
eral Turner occupies the road, and it is impossible for me to move until he gets 
out of my way." 

Now, I had not seen the ground, and supposed, all this time, that there Avere 
several places of exit and the ground tolerably free from obstructions. 

I sent Generals Turner's and Ames's replies to General Meade and went 
myself to the front, where I found our men were debouching into the crater and 
into a short space of the enemy's trench on each side of it. I met General 
Turner just from the ci-ater, (only 75 yards off,) and saw Burnside's white and 
black men needlessly filing into the crater, and into this short line of the enemy's 
works, under a destructive cross-fire. The enemy, just then, had brought up an 
additional six-gun battery, and was sweeping the 75 yards of bare up hill, where 
the 9th corps debouched, with a cross-fire of canister, grape, and musketry. I also 
paw that the crater and trench adjacent were in a sort of a re-entrant angle of 
the enemy's work, and that the men who had crowded in them were useless and, 
in a measure, helpless. The crater was a hig hole, sonae twenty feet deep, and 
was shortly afterwards rendered almost inaccessible by the cross-fire, and the 
trenches near it were crowded with men who were indisposed or unable to go 
forward ; and I saw that the black troops were charging out by the flank, increasing 
this mass of men huddled under the enemy's fire. I directed General Turner 
not to put his men in the crater or the trench already filled with men, but to make 
a charge to the right where the enemy were massing. This he did, and I gave 
him all the aid in my power ; the men climbing up and over our parapet, and 
dashing towards the enemy's trench in good style. (See Turner's report.) On 
my return to headquarters of General Burnside I overtook General Grant, and 
he directed me to say to General Burnside that "no more men should be sent 
into the crater or trenches of the enemy already filled, but he (General Burn- 
f^ide) should send forward intrenching tools and hold all his men had gained." 
1 did so, and again ordered General Turner to push his whole division out, and 
to the right. Immediately thereafter — about 8 o'clock — I received from General 
4'urner the following despatch : 

"Colonel Bell's brigade, in attempting to gain ground to the right on the 
enemy's line, was severely met by the enemy's fire, when a regiment of colored 
troops stampeded and broke through the brigade, carrying it all with them into 
our line." 

This I communicated to General Meade and repeated my orders to Turner to 
get his other brigadeout to attack, but shortly afterwards (before my last order 
could be communicated) I received orders from General Meade to draw my men 
all inside our trenches to the rear, and afterwards an order was received to re- 
turn with my (corps*) to my own front. 

I may mention here, that when General Burnside had received the information 
that his men had occupied the crater, and a part of his command was in front 
of the crater — not advancing — I wrote the following despatch before I had any 
order from General JMeade : 

* Should be command. 



116 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUllG. 



"Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps, 

"6^ o'clock— 30f/i. 
" General Meade: Turner, in my front, reports thatBurnside's troops fill our 
trenches in his front, occupying the crater, the enemy still holding their trenches 
to the right and left of the crater. Shall I order the divisions (two) of the ISth 
corps to try and charge the enemy's trenches over the heads of the men. Rifie 
firing has almost ceased iu our front and both parties covering. 

"E. 0. C. ORD, 
"Major General of Volunteers ^ 

The despatch I submitted to General Burnside, and he requested me to wait 
a few moments and he would have the way cleared. It was shortly after this I 
recei\'^d the first order from General Meade to advance independently of Gen- 
eral Burnside's troops. After receiving the order from General Meade to draw 
off my men and go back to my own front, I fouud that if I drew out the 1st 
and 3d divisions, 18th corps, which had been placed by General Burnside in his 
trenches, the tienchcs would be left too weak, and hence I directed General Carr, 
commanding these divisions, to remain where he was until night, when General 
Burnside promised to relieve him. The next day I asked General Burnside for 
the two (2) divisions left in his trenches, and finding that he could not send them 
all to me without inconvenience, I telegraphed General Meade that I could get 
along with the part which had been returned. The whole reported that night 
or the next morning. 

Enclosed you will find reports of division commanders and reports of casual- 
ties. 

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. 0. C. ORD, 
Major General of Volunteers, Commanding. 

Major General A. A, Humphreys, 

Chkf of Staff, Army of the Potomac. 

Question. To what do you attribute the failure of that enterprise ? 

Answer. In the first place the crater of the mine was in a very bad place for 
a storming party to go in. It was swept by a flanking fire of the enemy ; it 
was up hill; and, as it appeared to me, it was not covered by any of our batte- 
ries. The ground to the left and front of the mine was marshy, and covered by 
bushes and trees. No preparations had been made for our troops to pass out 
to our right or left. They could only get out by a single long trench or covered 
way ; so that in the slow process of getting 10,000 or 12,000 men up through 
this narrow space and out thi-ough a single opening the enemy had an opportunity 
to m;'.ke preparations to meet them. All this produced delay. 

There should have been several openings made, and the troops should have 
attacked the enemy at several points at once. The mine was to have been 
sprung at half past three o'clock in the morning. But the last division of Gen- 
eral Burnside's troops did not get out until nearly eight o'clock ; some of the 
men were not out then. On account of the slow exit of these men, the enemy 
had an opportunity of pounding them as they came out in small force, by con- 
centrating their fire upon them. That was one cause of faihu-e. Another 
was that when the men did get out, from what I learn they were not sufficiently 
disciplined as soldiers to obey orders and advance as directed. The troops that 
first went out, as I was told, were dismounted cavalry; a very bad specimen of 
troops. 

Question. If I understand you, this crater being too narrow a space through 
which to push an army successfully for a surprise, there should have been 
simultaneous attacks made at other points along the line? 



• EXPLOSION OF THE MINE IJliFJIiE PETERSBURG. 117 

An-iwer. You do not get precisely my idea. The men had to go through a 
long narrow trench, about one-third of a mile in length, before they got into our 
extreme outwork, and then they went into this crater, and were piled into that 
hole, where they were perfectly useless. They were of about as much use there 
as so many men at the bottom of a well. Afterwards they filed into the trenches 
on either side of the crater for a small space, and covered themselves there as 
well as they could. If there had been several places of exit instead of but one, 
we could have tried the enemy elsewhere, and some of our parties might have 
been successful if others had been headed oflF. 

Question. Of course this delay did not come under your observation, and the 
cause of it is not known to you ? 

Answer. When they had decided to follow in the order of General Burnside's 
march, one after the other through this one trench, and through one opening, 
that produced a delay which should have been anticipated. Better provision 
should have been made for the attack. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question, What parts of the enemy's lines were open to attack with any chance 
of success? 

Answer. I think it probable success might have been attained on the left and 
right of the crater, at the distance of half a mile, if our parapets had been opened 
during the night, and parties of men held there in readiness had dashed out up- 
on the nearest works of the enemy, immediately after the explosion ; for we 
learned afterwards that upon the explosion the enemy abandoned several of their 
batteries nearest our works, thinking they were also mined. 

Question. What forces of ours were opposite those points where you think 
attacks might have been successfully made ? 

Answer. I had all of my available troops directly in rear of General Burn- 
si le's command, and reported to him and obeyed his directions by General 
Meade's orders. General Warren, I think, remained with his command on the 
left of General Burnside. There were no troops prepared on the right strong 
enoug h tQ make an attack. General Mott, who took ray place there, had, I 
think, only one division, though quite a large one, to occupy the place of a much 
larger force while it was relieved for the attack. And it would not have been 
advisable to have had his troops attack. 

Question. We then had no men on the right who could have made an attack 
there 1 

Answer. The ai;swer I gave in regard to what might have been done re- 
ferred to arrangements to have been made a day or so previous, by which troops 
could have been massed opposite the different places of exit, and then have gone 
out as soon as required. But the troops were massed all in this one place, along 
this covered way, a portion of them in front of this work, and the balance in rear 
by divisions, so that they were all in a column. 
^ Question. That relates to the 9th corps, and to your corps in their rear? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. But your remark would not apply to General Warren's command ? 

Answer. I should not suppose it would apply to his command, if arrangements 
had been made beforehand. 

Question. What I mean is, the situation of General Warren's command as it 
was on the morning of the .30th of July. Were his troops in a situation where 
they could have attacked the enemy on our left? 

Answer. I really do not know, because I am not aware how his troops were 
located. If they could have attacked by prearrangement, I think they were in 
a situation to have attacked. 

Question. It would have been necessary to have arranged the troops, to have 



118 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. • 

attacked on the right and left, in assaulting columns at half a mile distance from 
the crater, in connexion with the main assault through the crater? 

Answer. Yes, sir; that suggested itself in answer to your question. We can 
never tell hefore an event takes place what might succeed half so well as we 
can afterwards, and a criticism that is advanced after the occurrence should, of 
course, be received with all this allowance. 

Question. The cause of the failure was chiefly owing to the want of a proper 
outlet or debouchinent for the troops? 

Answei'. Not entirely. 

Question. No, not entirely, but chiefly ? 

Answer. My answer was intended to cover more than the fact of the dehouch- 
ment, not being a proper one. The massing the troops and sending them out by 
such a long, narrow covered way is what I particularly referred to, and which 
caused them to be very slow in their movements. 

Question. Who decided upon the locality of your troops, when they were or- 
dered to be massed in the rear of General Burnside's corps ? 

Answer. I do not know positively, but my impression is that, the mine being 
General Burnside's idea, and he having been at work at it for some time, he made 
nearly all the arrangements for the explosion and the attack. 

Question. Did he give directions for the location of your troops? 

Answer. Yes, sir; he located them himself. 

Question, Were they massed by his directions? 

Answer. By his selection; for I sent my ofiicers to report to him, and to get 
their situations from him. 

Question. How long was it after the explosion of the mine before the head 
of General Ledlie's column entered the crater? 

Answer. That I do not know; because I was not then near enough to the mine 
to see that; I was back with General Burnside. 

Question. Have you any knowledge what troops of the enemy those were 
that opened this cross-fire upon our advancing columns? What I want to get 
at is, whether they were those troops that occupied the intrenchments, or whether 
they were drawn from some other parts of the enemy's lines. 

Answer. I cannot speak positively; but my impression is that they came in 
from other points. They almost always keep troops in reserve along their lines, 
so that when an attack is made, they can dash at once towards the threatened 
point. 

Question. What was the effect of the explosion upon the enemy's troops iu 
the trenches? 

Answer. I think, from what I learned afterwards, that those batteries nearest 
the mine were partially abandoned, but that the trenches, under which it was 
not expected a mine could be easily built, were not abandoned except in 
the immediate vicinity of the crater. 

Question. Do you know whether the troops in the enemy's trenches opened 
fire immediately upon our advancing column, or was there some delay ? 

Answer. I learned from others that tjiere was some little delay ; I do not know 
positively. 

Question. Can you state whether our troops were enabled to pass across the 
space between our line and the crater before they were met by any fire from the 
enemy ? 

Answer. That I can only state from what others told me; I did not go to the 
front until I found that my divisions were impeded, and that diSiculties were en- 
counti'red in carrying out my orders. 

Question. Were they impeded by the fire from the enemy's batteries on the 
right, or on the left, that were sweeping across the space between our lines and 
the crater ? 

Answer. The enemy's battery that I spoke of in my report took a position 



. EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 119 

on the right of the crater as we faced the enemy's lines ; there were other 
batteries a little more removed playing on the left also. The most destructive 
fire, however, was musketry and grape. 

Question. From what locality ? 

Answer. From the right and left, and front, apparently ; but more particu- 
larly from the right. 

Question. How was the enemy's infantry protected ? 

Answer. The nature of the ground to the right as we went out was such that 
our intrenchments fell off down into a swamp or bottom. There were there 
bushes and tall trees in front of us, and we could not see anything in that direc- 
tion thirty or forty yards off, and the enemy could form there, entirely screened, 
and in such position as to be in flank and in a measure in rear of those going 
from our works to the crater. 



Testimony of Brevet Major General Edward Ferrero. 

City Point, Va., Becemler 20, 1864. 

Brevet Major General Edward Ferrero sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Loan : 

Question. What was your rank and position in the army on the 30th of July 
last? 

Answer. I was then a brigadier general, commanding a division. 

Question. What is your present rank % 

Answer, Brevet major general. 

Question. In what corps was your command last July % 

Answer. It was the fourth division of the 9th army corps, and was composed 
of colored troops. 

Question. We have been instructed to inquire into the operations of the 30th 
of July last, the springing of the mine, the attack by the 9th corps, &c. Will 
you state, in the first place, what you know in relation to the charging of the 
mine that was exploded on that day ] 

Answer. I know nothing about that ; I had no connexion whatever with it. 

Question. Had you, previously to the 30th of July, drilled your division with 
a vii-w to making an assault after the springing of the mine % 

Answer. I had, for over three we^-ks. 

Question. What was the condition of your troops at that time, as to their 
spirit and morale ? 

Answer. They were in fine condition — better than any other troops in the 
army for that purpose. We were expecting to make this assault, and had drilled 
for weeks, and were in good trim for it. 

Question. Had you made any examination of the ground and other prelimi- 
nary arrangements with a view to the assault % 

Answer. Before the commencement of the mine I had had a conversation with 
General Burnside, as it was intended I should make the assault, and submitted 
to him a plan, which is already in the report. I had surveyed the ground, 
made an examination, and given my plan of attack, which had been approved 
by General Burnside, and it was submitted to General Meade. 

Question. Will you give the outlines of that plan — how the advance was to be 
made, and in what form ? 

Answer. The mine was under a considerable fort upon the right. There was 
a small fort, a short distance, probably six hundred yards to the left, with three 
or four guns. My idea was to make an assault at the moment of the explosion 
of the mine between those two points. I wanted to advance one brigade, which 



120 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

was to be the leading brigade, then divide it in two parts, one portion to s;o to 
the right and sweep the enemy's lines in that direction, and the other portion to 
go down the left and sweep the lines in that direction. The other two brigades 
of the division were to march forward in column, and carry tlie crest of Ceme- 
tery hill. 

Question. Your object was to cross the enemy's works between the two forts? 
, Answer. Yes, sir, and not go over the point where the explosion was to take 
place, because the mass of earth that would be thrown up there would impede 
any troops. The object was to gain every moment at the explosion of the 
mine. My idea was to clear the enemy's line of works, and thus prevent a fire 
in our rear, as well as in our fi-ont. 

Question. At what time was it decided not to use your division for that pur- 
pose? 

Answer. The night before the assault I received the first intimation that they 
were not to be so used. 

Question. What troops were used for that purpose ? 

Answer. The first division of the 9th army corps, under General Ledlie, was 
assigned the lead of the assault. 

Question. What was the condition of those troops at that time? Had they 
been engaged in any exhaustive labors? 

Answer. They were not the troops to put in at that time, from the very fact 
that they had been constantly under fire for a long period — so much so that it 
had become a second nature with them to dodge a bullet; from having been in 
such close contact with the enemy they had acquired that habit. 

Question. Do you know anything about the arrangement for the dehouchinent 
of that command? 

Answer. Every arrangement was made that it was possible to make under 
the circumstances, as it was necessary that we should do everything without 
giving information to the enemy. Nothing more could have been done without 
exposing our plans. 

Question. Then one of the main elements of success in this enterprise con- 
sisted in the surprise of the thing? 

Answer, Undoubtedly. 

Question. Was it desirable in that connexion that our troops should move 
very rapidly after the explosion? 

Answer. That was certainly very necessary. 

Question. To what extent were the abattis removed, and the parapets levelled, 
in front of our own works, in order to enable the troops to debouch rapidly ? 

Answer. That point was probably the nearest point to the enemy upon our 
whole line, and it was utterly impossible to do anything more than was done. 
There was enough done to enable the troops to get over with all the necessary 
rapidity required at that moment. 

Question. Did the troops move rapidly forward after the mine was sprung? 

Answer. I was where 1 could witness the column movement. By my time 
they moved from five and a half to six minutes after the explosion. They could 
not move sooner on account of the concussion of the explosion, which would 
naturally prevent their going forward for a few moments. 

Question. Have you any knowledge as to the effect produced by the explo- 
sion upon the enemy's troops in the vicinity of the mine? 

Answer. I can state nothing further than that they seemed to be perfectly 
paralyzed for quite a long space of time. 

Question. Was there any firing upon the part of the enemy upon our troops 
as they crossed over the space between our outer works and their lines? 

Answer. The firing was very light on the first column that went up. 

Question. Can you assign any reason for the confusion that ensued after the 
assault had been begun, and our troops had entered the crater? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 121 

Answer. Yes, sir. In the first place the nature of the ground was such as to 
cause confusion among men who had been accustomed to seek shelter under fire 
for five or six weeks. The crater was a hole some twenty-five or thirty feet 
deep, and fifty or sixty feet broad. When the men got into that hole they be- 
came confused, and it was utterly impossible to get them out. That was one 
of tliose things wliich will happen with the best of troops. 

Question. Was there any remedy for that misfortune, when the troops refused 
to come out ? 

Answer. I am hardly at liberty to say. I was not in command of the army. 

Question. Wh;it do you think could have been done? 

Answer. We all differ in opinion. 

Question. That is true ; but we ask your opinion, as a military man. "i 

Answer. I think myself that if the assault had been made a little to the left 
it would have been better. There would not have been so much impediment. 

Question. I refer to the time when General Ledlie's division had been thrown 
into this inextricable confusion, in the bottom of this hole, and the men refused 
to come out from the shelter afforded them there ; was there, after that occur- 
rence, any chance to remedy the condition of affairs by any other movements 
which could have been made ? 

Answer. I cannot answer that question, because, not being in command of the 
army, I was not aware of the condition of the enemy, the number of troops on 
either side, their position, &c., all of which things it is supposed ihe general 
commanding is informed of. 

Question. I had supposed you might have seen what force the enemy after- 
wards developed, and what his means of defence were. 

Answer. I have since lieard what his forse was. 

Question. You do not know what he actually did on the ground 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. I was there and saw it. 

Question. Could we have used our forces at other points with any probabil- 
ity of gaining a success ? 

Answer. I think an attack made upon some other portions of the enemy's 
lines would probably have been successful. 

Question. Upon what portions 1 

Answer. There were no other portions available except in front of the 5th 
corps. 

Question. Have you any means of knowing from what points the enemy 
drew the troops that he concentrated upon our forces in the crater of the mine? 

Answer. Nothing more than from the reports of the signal ofiicers, whj saw 
them moving their troops in the vicinity of the town after the assault was made, 
and from the heavy fire we sustained there. 

Question. There is no doubt about there being a heavy concentration of 
troops there. What I want to ascertain is from what localities those troops of 
the enemy were drawn. 

Answer. It is reported that they were drawn from in front of the 5th corps. 

Question. If they were drawn from in front of the 5th corps, they must have 
weakened their lines there? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And you think it probable that a vigorous attack there might have 
been 8ucccs.sful ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, it might. 

Question. It would have had the effect of relieving the troops in the crater 
from the severe cross-fire ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Was it possible for General Ord to have made any judicious 
movement upon the right, if he had been so ordered, so as to have compelled 
the attention of the enemy to the right of the crater? 



122 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. I do not think the nature of the ground would have admitted any- 
thing of the kind. I had surveyed the whole of that ground with a view to this 
assault, and I knew all about it. 

Question. Will you state, as a military man, whether you think the dangers 
of the disaster were enhanced by the narrowness or insufficiency of the dehoucli- 
me?2/ prepared for the troops of the 9th corps % 

Answer. I do not think so. I think the great impediment was in front. 

Question. The going into that hole, and being subjected to that cross-fire ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; the troops moved very handsomely up to that position. 

Question. After the third division of the 9th corps had gone in, your division 
was then ordered to advance 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What was the condition of the white troops at the crater and be- 
yond, at the time you were ordered to make your advance ? 

Answer. They were without any organization ; just one mass of human beings 
seeking shelter in the bomb-proofs of the enemy. 

Question. About what number of men composed the three divisions that pre- 
ceded yours? 

Answer. I could not tell you at this time. I could give the strength of my 
own division. 

Question. At what time in the day did you receive orders to advance \ 

Answer. About an hour and a half after the explosion of the mine. 

Question. What was the strength of your division % 

Answer. I had four thousand three hundred men for duty. 

Question. Please narrate what occurred after your division began to move. 

Answer. I received an order to advance my troops and pass the white troops 
which had halted, and move on and carry the crest of the hill at all hazards. I had 
but a few paces to move to our outer breastworks. Previous to that I had sent 
a staff officer to ascertain the condition of affairs at the front. From his report 
I did not think it advisable to move my division in, as there were three divisions 
of white troops already huddled together there. I reported to Colonel Loring, 
of General Burnside's staff, who requested me to halt until he could report to 
General Burnside. I refused to do so, when he gave me an order in General 
Burnside's name to halt, and I did so. He then went off to report to General 
Burnside, and came back and reported that the order was peremptory for me to 
carry my division through at all hazards. I then started with my division ; they 
went in magnificently under a most galling fire ; they passed beyond the white 
troops, captured the only prisoners captured that day, some two hundred and 
fifty to three hundred, together with a rebel stand of colors, and recaptured a 
stand of our colors belonging to a regiment of white troops of the 9th army corps. 
They were a little broken by going through the mass of white troops there, and 
the colonel in command of the first brigade of the division proceeded to reform for 
the assault. There was a dismounted cavalry regiment, I think of the second 
division of the 9th corps, a little off to one side. As my troops started, the color 
guard of that regiment came back on the double quick, broke through the ranks 
of my leading brigade, which of course caused my negroes to bi-eak. My troops 
came back in very bad order. Finding no shelter there, as the white troops had 
all the shelter, they came back to our main line, inside of which they were re- 
formed, and there they remained the balance of the day. As my troops went in 
so gallantly under a most galling fire, I maintain that, had they led the assault 
when there was comparatively no fire, nothing could have stopped them until 
they got into Petersburg. 

Question. Where were the batteries located which you found to be most effect- 
ive against your troops % 

Answer. There was a battery off to the right of the crater, beyond a ravine, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUEG. 123 

which enfihided the line; then there was a battery on the left which also enfi- 
laded the line. 

Question. What was the strength of the battery to the left ? 

Answer. Two pieces of field artillery. 

Question. Did it move into position after the mine was sprung 1 

Answer. No, sir; the men abandoned it at the time of the springing of the 
mine, and then came back. 

Question. Was that battery in front of General Warren's command 1 

Answer. No, sir; it was on what was still the old front of the 9th corps. 

Question. Were those the only batteries that were effective ? 

Answer. Those two were the only batteries that enfiladed the line ; we had 
a fire directly in front, and from a battery a little to the left of the centre. 

Question. Were those field guns in front brought into position after the spring- 
ing of the mine 1 

Answer. I think they were permanent batteries. 

Question. What was the reason lor changing the plan of allowing your divi- 
sion to lead the assault, as had been first contemplated? 

Answer. I do not know the reason ; I only know that General Meade opposed 
it, and that General Grant approved his decision. 



2''estimony of Lieutenant General U. S. Grant. 

City Point, Va., December 20, 1S64. 

Lieutenant General U. S. Grant sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Chandler : 

Question. Will you give the committee such information as you may deem 
important in regard to the action before Petersburg, on the 30th of July last.' 

Answer. As you are aware, I made a feint on the north side of the James 
river, which I intended to convert into an attack if everything should prove 
favorable. By that movement the attention of the enemy was called to that 
side of the river, causing them to concentrate there. They were so well forti- 
fied there that an advaace on that side could not be made without great sacrifice 
of life. 

General Burnside had, prior to this, made a mine in front of the 9th corps, 
which I would not allow to be exploded until such time as it could be used 
advantageously. Finding that the principal part of the enemy's forces had 
been drawn to the north side of the James, I telegraphed to General Meade that 
then was the time to charge the mine and explode it, and directed him to make 
preparations to assault. My despatch gave no details at all how this was to be 
done. I left that to him, knowing hira as I did to be fully capable of deter- 
mining when and what ought to be done. 

He prepared an order for assault, which was submitted to and approved by 
me. I think nowjt was all that we could have done; I think he could not 
have done better. 

I was over on the north side of the river when these arrangements were 
made. I came back to the south side of the river before the explosion took 
place, and remained with General Meade until probably a half or three quarters 
of an hour after the springing of the mine. I then rode down to the front ; 
that is, I rode down as far as I could on horseback, and then went through to 
the front on foot. I there found that we had lost the opportunity which had 
been given us. 

I am satisfied that if the troops had been properly commanded, and been led 
in accordance with General Meade's o der, we would have captured Petersburg 
with all the artillery and a good portion of its bupport, without the loss of 500 



124 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

men. There was a full half hour, I think, when there was no fire against our 
men, and they could have marched past the enemy's iutrenchments just as they 
could in the open country. 

But that opj^rtunity was lost in consequence of the division commanders not 
going with their men, but allowing them to go into the enemy's intrenchments 
and spread themselves there, without going on further, thus giving the enemy 
time to collect and organize against them. I think I can say nothing more on 
that point. 

I blame myself a little for one thing. General Meade, as I stated, on my 
t( legraphic despatch from the north side of the James river, made his orders 
most perfectly. I do not think that now, knowing all the facts, I could im- 
prove upon his order. 

But I was informed of this fact: that General Burnside, who was fully alive 
to the importance of this thing, trusted to the pulling of straws which division 
should lead. It happened to fall on what I thought was the worst commander in 
his corps. I knew that fact before the mine was exploded, but did nothing in 
r( gard to it. That is the only thing I blame myself for. I knew the man was 
the one that I considered the poorest division commander that General Burn- 
side had — I mean General Ledlie. 

By Mr. L'tan. 

Question. There has been a great deal of controversy in regard to the suffi- 
ciency of the debouchment prepared by General Burnside for the egress of his 
troops after the explosion of the mine? 

Answer. That I could not swear to exactly. I went beyond his debouch- 
ment, but did not think to note it. But I am satisfied that he did not make the 
dchouchihcnt that he was ordered to make. I know that as well as I know 
anything that I cannot exactly swear to. I went beyond it myself, and on my 
return to the rear ordered the troops back. 

Question. I suppose the success of this enterprise was dependent in a great 
measure upon the surprise of the enemy, caused by the explosion of the mine, 
and prompt movements afterwards to avail yourself of the distraction occasioned 
by it? 

Answer. It all depended upon that. 

Question. Was there not some danger of apprising the enemy of the con- 
templated movement, by undertaking to level the parapets and remove the 
abattis and other obstructions in front of our line ? 

Answer. Not at all. That could be done entirely under cover of the night. 
After dark we could take down any of our parapets and remove our abattis 
without their noticing it. 

Question. So far as you are advised in the matter, was not a part of the dis- 
aster owing to the slow movement of our troops in passing over the ground ? 

Answer. I think if I had been a corps commander, and had had that in 
charge, I wduld have been down there, and would have seen that it was done 
right ; or, if I had been the commander of the division that had to take the 
lead, I think I would have gone in with my division. We have a great many 
officers here who would have done the same thing. 

Question. Did the slowness of the movement tend to promote the disaster? 

Answer. I do not think that that alone had any effect at all. 

Question. What, then, do you think was the cause of the disaster? 

Answer. I think the cause of the disaster was simply the leaving the passage 
of orders from one to another down to an inefficient man. I blame his seniors 
also for not seeing that he did his duty, all the way up to myself. 

Question. You think that the opportunity for success passed by owing to the 
confusion of the troops in consequence of the inefficiency of that division com- 
mander ? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 125 

Answer. Yes, sir. As I understand it, the troops marched right into the 
hreach caused by the explosion without there being a single division commander 
there. They had no person to direct them to go further, although the division 
commanders were directed in the most positive terms to march to Avhat is called 
Cemetery hill, which would have given us everything. 

Question. Speaking of those orders, was it judicious to direct the main ad- 
vancing column to proceed directly to Cemetery hill M'ithout any regard to the 
enemy on their right and loft 1 

Answer. Cemetery hill commanded the rear of their intrenched line; it com- 
manded everything. 

Question. The troops had to pass over considerable ground to reach Cemetery 
hill? ^ 

Answer. Only 300 or 400 yards. 

Question. Then to accomplish that object, you do not think it would have 
been necessary to have taken possession of the enemy's batteries and intrench- 
ments on the right and left of the crater of the mine ? 

Answer. Not at all. If they had marched through to the crest of that ridge 
they would then have taken everything in rear. I do not think there would 
have been any opposition at all to our troops had that been done. I think Ave 
would have cut oft' entirely those of the enemy to our right, while those on the 
left would have tried to make their escape across the Appomattox. 

Question. There has been something said in regard to the clianging of 
General Burnside's plan of putting his division of colored troops in the advance. 

Answer. General Burnside wanted to put his colored division in front, and I 
believe if he had done so it would have been a success. Still I agreed with 
General Meade in his objection to that plan. General Meade said that if we 
put the colored troops in front {we had only that one division) and it should 
prove a failure, it would then be said, and very properly, that we were shoving 
those people ahead to get killed because Ave did not care anything about them. 
But that could not be said if we put white troops in front. That is the only 
point he changed, to my knowledge, after he had given his orders to General 
Burnside. It was then that General Burnside left his three division commanders 
to toss coppers or draw straws which should and which should not go in front. 

By Mr. Julian : 

Question. That change was made the evening before the assault, was it not? 

Answer. I cannot say whether it was the evening before the explosion or 
twenty-four hours earlier. 

Question. Was General Burnside's plan submitted to you for consideration ? 

Answer. He had no plan ; he had merely to execute an order. 

Question. He desired to use his colored troops for the advance? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and that part was changed, I thought then very properly, 
and I think so yet ; for Ave had but one division of colored troops in the whole 
army about Petersburg at that time, and I do not think it would have been 
proper to put them in front, for nothing but success would have justified it. 



Testimony of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pleasants. 

Washfngton, D. C, January 13, 1865. 
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pleasants sworn and examined. 

By the chairman: 
Question. Were you in the army of the Potomac at the time the mine was 
prung before Petersburg, on the 30th of July last; if so, in what capacity? 



126 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. I was there at that time. I was thenlieixtenant colonel of the 48tli 
Pennsylvania volunteers, and commanding the regiment at the time the explo- 
sion took place. 

Question. What connexion did you have with the construction of the mine? 

Answer. I proposed it and executed the work. I had the whole charge of 
everything connected with its construction. 

Question. Will you state who originated the mine, and what was done in 
regard to it? 

Answer. I was then commanding the first brigade of the second division of 
the 9th corps. That corps was then under the command of Major General 
Burnside. While commanding the brigade I frequently had occasion to go to 
the front line. I noticed a little cup of a ravine near to the enemy's works. I 
having been a mining and civil engineer many years before the war, it occurred 
to me that a mine could be excavated there. 1 examined the ground, and after I 
had satisfied myself that it could be done, I spoke to the officer next in rank above 
me, Brigadier General Potter, commanding the division, and explained to him 
what I proposed to do and how I proposed to do it, and what would be the effect 
of an explosion of that kind upon the enemy. He received the idea favorably, 
and wrote a note to General Burnside in relation to it. General Burnside sent 
for me, and 1 explained to him carefully the mode of ventilating the mine and 
everything about it. He seemed very much pleased with the pi'oposition, and 
told me to go right on with the work. 

Question. Can you fix the time when you mentioned the matter to General 
Burnside, when you commenced the work, &;c. ? 

Answer. The work was commenced at 12 o'clock noon on the 25th of June, 
1864. I saw General Burnside the night previous, and commenced the mine 
right off the next day. 

Question. Did you have any communication with any other commanders on 
the subject ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. About how many men did you employ in the work? 

Answer. My regiment was oidy about four hundred strong. At first I em- 
pli>yed but a few men at a time, but the number was increased as the work pro- 
gressed, until at last I had to use the whole regiment, non-commissioned officers 
and all. The gi-eat difficulty I had was to dispose of the material got out of 
the mine. 1 found it impossible to get any assistance from anybody ; I had to 
do all the work myself. I had to remove all the eai th in old cracker boxes. I 
got pieces of hickory and nailed on the boxes in which we received our crackers, 
and then iron-claded them with hoops of iron taken from old pork and beef 
barrels. 

Question. Why were you not able to get better instruments with which to 
construct so important a work ? 

Answer. I do not know. Whenever I made application I could not get any- 
thing, although General Burnside was very favorable to it. The most import- 
ant thing was to ascertain how far I had to mine, because if I fell short of or 
went beyond the proper place the explosion would have no practical effect ; 
therefore 1 wanted an accurate instrument with which to make the necessary 
triangulations. 1 had to make them on the furthest front line, where the enemy's 
sharpshooters could reach me. I could not get the instrument I wanted, al- 
though there was one at army headquarters, and General Burnside had to send 
to Washington and get an old-fashioned theodolite, which was given to me. 

Question. Do you know any reason why you could not have had the better 
instrument which was at army headquarters ? 

Answer. I do not. I know this — that General Burnside told me that General 
Meade and Major Duane, chief engineer of the army of the Potomac, said the 
thing could not be done; that it was all clap-trap and nonsense; that such a 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE I3EF0RE PETERSBURG. 127 

length of mine had never hcen excavated in military operations, and conld not 
be; that I would either get the men smothered for want of air, or crushed bj 
the falling of the earth; or the enemy would find it out, and it would amount 
to nothing. I could get no boards and lumber supplied to me for my operations. 
I had to get a pass and send two companies of my own regiment with wagons 
outside of oiir lines to rebel saw-mills and get lumber in that way, after having 
previously got what lumber I could by tearing down an old bridge. 1 had no 
mining picks furnished me, but had to take common army picks and have them 
straightened for my mining picks. 

Question. Was General Burnside the only officer who seemed to favor the 
mine 1 

Answer. The only officer of high rank, so for as I learned. General Burn- 
sidi^ tbe corps commander, and General Potter, the division commander, seemed 
to be the only high officers who believed in it. 

(.Question. How long from the time that you commenced the mine did it take 
you to finish hi 

Answer. I finished the whole thing, lateral galleries and all, ready to put the 
powder in, on the 23d of July. 

Question. How long would it have taken you had you been supplied with 
the proper tools and instruments 1 

Answer. I could have done it in one-third or one-fourth of the time. The 
greatest cause of the delay was taking the material out. 

Question. How far did you have to carry it ? 

Answer. The whole length of the mine, and to where it could be deposited. 
And every night I had to get the pioneers of my regiment to cut bushes and 
cover it up where it had been deposited, otherwise the enemy could have 
climbed up the trees in their lines and seen the pile of newly excavated earth. 

Question. What was the length of tlie mine 1 

Answer. The main gallery was 510 j% feet in length; the left lateral gallery 
was 37 feet in length, and the right lateral gallery was 38 feet. The maga- 
zines were to be placed in the lateral galleries. 

Question. What were the dimensions of the galleries 1 

Answer. They varied at diffiireut places. I suppose the average was 4J by 
4^ feet. 

Question. Did the enemy discover that you were mining there? 

Answer. Deserters came into our lines from the enemy, who stated that they 
had found out where the mine was, and were trying to countermine. They 
said that some deserters from the 5th corps in our army had told them about it. 
General Burnside ordered me to stop all work on a certain day on that account, 
and to listen for one day ; but not hearing anything of the enemy's working, 
w(! resumed our work. 1 did not hear them working until I got right under 
the fort. They did a great deal of hammering. While I was propping up the 
mine that we had dug, I made no noise. I had the timber all framed and 
notched outside of the mine, and it was put together by hand, without any 
blows. 

Question. Was the mine placed directly under the fortification, or close by it ? 

Answer. It was exactly under it, except that the right lateral gallery made 
a little circular direction on account of av.-iding a shaft which we supposed the 
enemy were making near by. It did not move out of line much, so that whea 
the explosion took place it would tear up all around there, any how. 

Question. What amount of powder was used 1 

Answer. I called for twelve thousand pounds ; they gave me eight thousand. 

Question. What means did you take to consume the powder, so that it would 
have the proper effect ] 

Answer. 1 had bags of sand interspersed with logs. There was no tamping 
between the magazines ; it was left all open there, so that there might be oxygen 



128 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

enough for the combustion of the powder. Outside of the lateral galleries, in the 
main gallery, it was tamped. 

Question. What means did you use to insure the explosion of the powder? 

Answer. I used three Imes of fuze, called the blasting fuze. I asked for 
fuze, and they sent me this common blasting fuze. There were troughs running 
from one magazine to the other, half filled with powder ; and then from where 
the two lateral galleries joined there were two troughs with fuzes in them. The 
troughs were half filled Avith fine powder ; then from a certain distance out 
there was nothing but three fuzes, without any powder. The fuze I received 
was cut in short pieces ; some of them are only ten feet long. 

Question. Why was that ? 

Answer. I do not knoAV. 

Question. Was not that an objection to it ? 

Answer. A great objection. 

Question. Was there any danger that it would not communicate at those 
parts where it was joined ] 

Answer. It did not, and had to be relighted. 

Question. Who had the courage to go down into the mine and relight it 1 

Answer. I had a lieutenant and a sergeant with me in the mine when I light- 
ed it the first time. 

Question. How far in did it go out 1 

Answer. I had a fuze about ninety feet long, and it burned about forty feet — 
the whole three fuzes. 

Question. How long did you wait to find out whether it would explode ? 

Answer. I waited from quarter after three, the time it was first lighted, 
until quarter after four, when it was relighted, and exploded at sixteen 
minutes to five. 

Question. Have you been accustomed to use these fuzes in your engineering 
work ? 

Answer. Not a great deal ; I had seen it done ; my province was to do the 
instrumental woi*k and surveying. 

Question. Is there generally much uncertainty about the ignition of powder 
by means of these fuzes ? 

Answer. No, sir, unless they are spliced, and then they are very uncertain. 

Question. Could you not procure fuzes that were not spliced ? 

Answer. It was too late after the fuzes came. The mine was prepared and 
ready for the powder to be put in on the 23d of July, and the enemy was try- 
ing to find me out all this time ; but I could not get powder to put in, or 
permission to put it in, until the 28th or 29th. 

Question. What reason was given you for that ? 

Answer. No reason at all ; they were not ready, that was all. General 
Burnside told me he had not permission yet to explode it. I was afraid the 
enemy would find me out that week. 

Question. After you had commenced that mine, and before its completion, 
could you not have obtained fuzes of the proper quality from coal mines and 
other places ? 

Answer. These fuzes were sufficiently good if they had not been cut up. 

Question. Was there any difficulty in obtaining fuze that was not spliced 1 

Answer. When it came it was too late. Besides, as it turned out, it was 
better that it went out then than if it had gone off" at half past three. 

Question. I am endeavoring to ascertain whether there was any carelessness 
in regard to this fuze; to ascertain what reason militaiy men could give for 
spending so much time on a mine, and then not having their powder and fuze 
of the proper quality ready when the mine was ready. Whose fault was that ] 

Answer. I presume this fuze, like the powder, was stored at Fortress Mon- 



EXPLOSIOX OF THE MINE 13EF0RE rETEKSBUKG. 129 

Toe. They f?ent just whatever they had; It hardly ever liappens that they 
requh-e fuze for that distance. 

Question. Then ought they not to have taken .special pains to have obtained 
it, for they knew how long the mine was to be ? 

Answer. Well, it was not done. 

Question. They could have brought otlier powder from Fortress Monroe in 
less than twenty-four hours 1 

Answer. Yes, sir, in a day at least. I do not know why they did as they 
did. 

Question. You state that you prepared three fuzes and laid them? 

Answer. Y''es, sir. 

Question. Why was that ? 

Answer. I wanted to make a certain thing of it ; but all three of the lines 
were spliced, and all three went out. The whole of the tamping, putting in the 
powder and everything, was completed at 6 p. m. on the 28th of July, and 
remained there until it was exploded on the morning of the 30th of July; and 
the powder remaining there a day and a half in the mine of course became 
damp. 

Question. Did it not require some nerve to go in there and relight those fuzes ! 

Answer. At first it did; but afterwards we felt certain that the reason the 
mine did not explode was that the fuzes had gone out. 

Question. Who went in to relight them? 

Answer. Lieutenant Jacob Douty, 1st lieutenant company K, 48th Pennsyl- 
vania volunteers, (he has since been mustered out,) and Sergeant Henry Rees, 
now 2d lieutenant company F, 48th Pennsylvania volunteers. 

Question. They volunteered to go in? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; but I would not let them go in at first, until I felt con- 
vinced of the cause of the failure to explode. 

Question. Had you been furnished with all the facilities in the power of 
those in charge there to have completed and exploded the mine, how long 
would it have taken you from the commencement until the mine was completed 1 

Answer. I think about twelve days. 

Question. Were you present when the mine was exploded ? 

Answer. Y'es, sir ; my regiment having been engaged in constructing the 
mine, was not in the battle, but I volunteered on General Potter's staft", and 
was through the engagement, and was there at the time of the explosion. 

Question. What effect did the explosion seem to have on the enemy ? 

Answer. It completely paralyzed them. 

Question. What did the enemy do ? 

Answer. Those that v,^ere not killed ran away. 

Question. What effect did it have on the next tier of fortifications of the 
enemy ? 

Answer. There was no other tier — nothing beyond that. There M^as a par- 
tially completed little earthwork beyond, but nothing in it. 

Question. What, in your judgment, was the cause of the fralure of that cater 
prise ? 

Answer. I have thought of that a great deal. There were several causes for 
the failure. The first one, and immediate one, was the failure of the first divis- 
ion of the 9th corps to go beyond the enemy's works. The whole of them, or a 
great portion of them, went up very promptly and occupied the enemy's works. 
There was nothing to resist them ; but they remained there and did not go be- 
yond ; and when the other divisions came up, having orders to go through the 
same gap, the second division to form on the right of the fir.st, and the third 
division to form on the left of the first, and to go on to Cemetery hiU— when 
the other divisions came into the crater and that portion of the enemy's works 
Rep. No. 114—9 



130 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

which the first division occupied, the'y got all mixed up ; they were all in a 
medley. That was the immediate reason of the failure. 

Question. Suppose they had gone promptly through and taken possession of 
the heights in force, what then would have been the effect 1 

Answer. The enemy must have evacuated their line, or else we would have 
cut their army in two. I stated in my report that there was no cannon shot 
fired, as I thought, for an hour — I think it was two hours, but I will say one — 
from the left, and from the right but very few scattered shots, and no infantry 
firing from the front for half an hour ; from the loft for twenty minutes, and a 
few far to the right. 

Question. You have slated the immediate reason of the failure : what Avas 
the more remote reasoii ? 

Answer. Another reason was, that the troops were not massed sufficiently 
near to our breastworks. It Avas feared that the explosion would throw up a 
great deal of debris and boards and everything of that kind into the air, and 
injure our men when they came down ; and although I urged it upon General 
Burnside to mass them nearer the breastworks, still he would not agree to it for 
fear the men would be injured. The consequence was, that when the second 
brigade of the second division, of the ninth corps came up in the morning, 
they came up by the flank, just straggling along, and not together, as they woidd 
have done if they had been right close up to tlie line. 

By Mr. Loan : 

Question. Did you testify as a witness before the court of inquiry which was 
ordered to investigate this matter by the commander of the army of the 
Potomac l 

Answer. No, sir; I was on leave of absence then, and was not called. 

Question. Will you state the circumstances under which that leave of absence 
was obtained 1 

Answer. I made ajiplication for leave of absence to attend to private business, 
and it was granted me by General Meade. 

Question. Had it in any way for its object to avoid your testimony being 
given there ? 

Answer. Well, I did not want to go before the board ; I thought no good 
would come of it ; it would only make me enemies, and I thought it better, as 
long as I remained in the army, that I should not go before the board. There- 
fore I made application for leave of absence. 

Question. Who granted that leave of absence? 

AnsAver. General Meade was the only person Avho had authority to grant it. 

Question. Have you any reason to believe that General Burnside Avas aware 
of your disinclination to testify as a witness before that board ? 

AnsAver. General Burnside was not there. 

Question, I should have said General Meade; had he any reason toknoAvit? 

AnsAver. I do not knoAv. 

Question. Why Avas it you did not Avisli to testify ? Did you or not deem 
your knoAvledge of the facts material to the investigation of that affair 1 

AnsAvcr. No, sir, I did not. • My only reason Avas, that I thought perhaps my 
testimony might be injurious to some of the general officers ; and as the failure 
was a fact, and it could not be remedied, no good Avould come of it if I did tes- 
tify, and it might have been the means of losing me some friends and making 
me some enemies. That Avas the reason I did not Avish to testify. I have a 
copy of my report here, to which I h^A'e referred Avhile giving my testimony, 
for the purpose of being correct in reference to dates, &c. 

Question. Will you furnish the committee Avith a copy of that report ? 

AnsAver. I Avill, sir. 

The following is a copy of the report referred to : 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 131 

Headquarters 48th Penx'a Veteran Volunteers, 

Near Petersburg, Va., August, 1S64. 

Colonel : I Lave the liouor to submit the following report, relating to the 
mhie I excavated in front of the second division of the 9th corps. 

It was commenced at 12 o'clock m. the 25th of June, lS64,Avithout tools, lumber, 
or any of the materials requisite for such work. The mining picks were made 
out of those used by our pioneers ; plank I obtained, at first, by tearing down arebel 
bridge, and afterwards by sending to a saw-mill, five or six miles distant. The 
material excavated was carried out in hand-barrows made out of cracker boxes. 
The work progressed rapidly till the 2d of July, when it reached an extremely 
wet ground ; the timbers gave way and the gallery nearly closed, the roof and 
floor of the mine nearly meeting. Retimbered it and started again. From this 
point had to excavate a stratum of marl, whose consistency was like putty, and 
which caused our progress to be necessarily slow. To avoid this, I started an 
inclined plane, and in about one hundred feet rose thirteen and a half feet per- 
pendicularly. 

On the 17tli of July the main gallery was completed, being five hundred and 
ten and -^\ feet in length. The enemy having obtained some knowledge of the 
mine, and having commenced searching for it, I was ordered to stop mining, 
which was, however, resumed on the 18th of July by starting the left lateral 
gallery. At 6 p. m., July IS, commenced the right lateral gallery ; but as 
the enemy could be heard very plainly working in the fort over us, I 
caused this gallery to be excavated a little beyond and in rear of their work, 
and gave to it a curved line of direction. The left gallery, being thirty- 
seven feet long, was stopped on midnight on Friday, July 22 ; the right 
gallery, being thirty-eight feet long, was stopped at G p. m., July 23. The 
mine could have been charged and exploded at this time. I employed the men, 
from that time, in draining, timbering, and placing in position eight magazines, 
four in each lateral gallery. Having received the order to charge the mine on 
the 27th of July, I commenced putting in the powder at 4 p. m., and finished 
at 10 p. m. The tamping was begun at 10 p. m., July 27, and completed at 
6 p. m., July 28. Thirty-four feet of main gallery was tamped, and ten feet of 
the entrance of each of the side galleries ; but the space between the magazines 
was left untamped. 

I received orders from corps headquarters, on the 29th of July, to fire the 
mine at half past three a. m., July 30. I lighted the fuze at 3.15 a. m., and 
having waited till 4.15 a. m., an officer and sergeant of my regiment volunteered 
to go in and examine into the cause of tho delay, and found that the fire had 
stopped where the fuzes were spliced. They relighted it, and at sixteen min- 
utes of five the powder exploded. 

The charge consisted of three hundred and twenty kegs of powder, each 
containing about twenty-five pounds. It was placed in eight magazines, con- 
nected with each other by troughs half filled Avith powder. These troughs from 
the lateral galleries met at the inner end of the main one, and from this point 
I had three lines of fuzes for a distance of ninety-eight feet. Not having fuzes 
as long as required, two pieces had to be spliced together to make the required 
length of each of the lines. 

The mine Avas ventilated at first by having the fresh air go in along the 
main gallery as far as it was excavated, and to return charged with the gases 
generated by the breathing and exhalation of the workmen, by the burning of 
the candles, and by those liberated from the ground, along and in a square 
tube made of boards, and whose area was sixty inches. This tube led to a 
perpendicular shaft twenty-two feet high, out of which this vitiated air escaped. 
At the bottom of this shaft was placed a grating, in which a large fire was kept 
burning continually, which, by heating the air, rarefied it, and increased its cur- 



132 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE 13EF0RE PETERSBURG. 

rent. Afterwards I caused the fresh air to be let in the above-mentioned 
wooden tube to the end of the work, and the vitiated air to return by the gal- 
lery and out of the shaft, placing a partition with a door in the main gallery a 
little out of the shaft, to prevent its exit by the entrance of the mine. The 
latter plan was more advantageous because the gases had to travel a less dis- 
tance in the mine than before. 

As the excavation in the mine progressed, the number of men required to 
carry out the material increased, until at last it took nearly every enlisted man 
in my regiment, which consisted of nearly four hundred efiective men. The 
whole amount of material excavated was 18,000 cubic feet. 

The great difficulty to surmount was to ascertain the exact distance from the 
entrance of the mine to the enemy's works, and the course of these works. 
This was accomplished by making five separate triangulations, which differed 
but slightly in their result. These triangulations were made in our most ad- 
vanced line, and within 133 yards of the enemy's line of sharpshooters. 

The size of the crater formed by the explosion v/as at least two hundred feet 
long, fifty feet wide, and twenty-five feet deep. 

I stood on top of our breastworks and witnessed the effect of the explosion 
on the enemy. It so complctel}' paralyzed them that the breach was practi- 
cally four or five hundred yards in breadth. The rebels in the forts, both on 
the right and left of the explosion, left their works, and for over an hour not a 
shot was fired by their artillery. There was no fire v from infantry from the 
front for at least half an hour ; none from the left for twenty minutes, and but 
few shots from the right. The accompanying drawings which I have made, 
and forward with this report, will explain whatever else has been omitted here. 

I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

HENRY PLEASANTS, 

Lieutenant Colond. 



Testimony of Brigadier General John ^V. Turner. 

Washington, D. 0., January 17, IS65. 

Bingadier General John W. Turner sworn and examined. 
By Mr. Loan : 

Question. What is your rank and position in the army ? 

Answer. I am a brigadier general of volunteers, and upon the staff of Major 
General Butler. 

Question. What was your position on the 30th of July last ? 

Answer. I was in command of the 2d division of the 10th army corps. My 
division was detached from the 10th army corps and attached to the command of 
General Ord, commanding the 18th corps. 

Question. What part did you take in the assault made upon the lines before 
Petersburg on the 30th of July last % 

Answer. On the 29th of July I was ordered to hold myself, with my division, 
in readiness to participate in the assault that was to be made the next morning 
in General Burnside's front, with additional instructions from General Ord to 
report to General Burnside on the afternoon of the 29th for detailed instructions 
as to the position my division should occupy during the night, and tlie part I 
would have to take in the next day's work. I did so, and my instructions 
from General Burnside were that my division would follow immediately after 
the 9th corps. It was designed that the 9th corps should assault the enemy's 
line on the springing of the mine, and immediately push for Cemeter}^ hill. My 
division would follow close after, move off to the right, and cover the movement 
of the 9th corps on Cemetery hill on its right flank. General Burnside further 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETER8BUEG. 133 

told me that, in case they did not succeed in gaining Cemetery hill, they Avould 
landoubtedly hold possession of the enemy's lines, Avhich they Avould take in the 
vicinity of the mine, and then I probably would not be brought into the engage- 
ment at all, 

I went over the ground carefully with a staff ofiicer of General Burnside's 
staff, visited the gallery leading to the mine and the route over Avhich I was to 
take my division, especially through the woods, arriving at the point where I 
was directed to mass my division. I returned to General Burnside and asked 
him if there were any other troops to pass over that road during the night. 
Knowing the confusion that was likely to occur in the movement of troops 
during the night, particularly a dark night, I wanted no mistake to be made, 
and that I should be in my position at the time the attack was to be made, 
which was at half past three o'clock, the hour at which the mine was to have 
been sprung. 

Just after nightfall I withdrew my troops from the trenches they were occu- 
pying and moved them to a point just in rear of where I was to mass them, 
Avhere the road led into the woods. I there halted and waited for General 
Ledlie's division to pass, which was the division that General Burnside informed 
me would pass over that road, and the only division that Avas to pass. I was 
told to wait for it, and that after it had passed there would be nothing in my 
way to prevent my taking up my position. I arrived at the point where this 
road led into the woods about twelve o'clock at night, there halted my division 
and remained waiting for General Ledlie. To make sure, I had despatched a 
staff officer to General Ledlie's headquarters to ascertain when his division 
moved, as it Avas quite dark and it was very difficult to distinguish troops in the 
night time, more particularly to what division they belonged. I remained there 
until about half past two o'clock, Avhen General Ledlie's division commenced 
passing. I remarked that it was pretty late for that division to pass to get into 
its position to move out at the time designated (at half past three) to make the 
assault, knoAving the difficulties of the road. It passed me, and I immediately 
moved my division to the point designated, Avhich Avas at the commencement of 
the covered way Avhich led to our immediate front, through Avhich all the troops 
Avere obliged to pass. ItAvasa narroAV covered Avay. I reported to General Ord 
about daylight that my troops were in position. He ordered me to Avait for 
further orders. 

Some time after five o'clock, between five and half past five, the mine Avas 
exploded. I immediately moved my division down this covered Avay towards 
the front, the leading regiments of it. Feeling an anxiety to get my men as far 
forAvard in support of the assault as possible, I moved them down a hundred 
yards and there halted. I then mounted a small mound of earth to observe the 
fighting that Avas going on. I remained there, I should judge, about half an 
hour. I then Avent myself to the front in order to gather all the information I 
could, so that I might be Avell informed Avhen I got my orders. I returned, and 
I should judge it Avas half past six Avhen I got my first orders to moA'e to the 
front. My orders from General Ovd Avere, " FoIIoav Potter's division and move 
out to tlie right." The last of the troops of Potter's division had just then 
passed me. I Avas obliged to take my division doAAm this covered way, Avhere I 
could have only a two-file front, and in some places only a single file, and fol- 
loAved close on to the rear of General Potter's column. When the head of my 
column reached the point at which our assaulting column had passed through 
our lines it Avas, as near as I recollect, about 7 o'clock. 

Ijumpcd up on a parapet to obserA-e Avhat Avas going on. Immediately in 
front of me lay the crater, about seventy-five yards distant. The men Avere in 
it and around it in great confusion ; they Avere lying down, seeking shelter 
from the fire of the enemy, which at that time had become exceedingly Avarm. 
The enemy had succeeded in getting a cross-fire of artillery and musketry over 



134 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

tlie ground lying between our line and the crater. My idea Avas that the 9th 
corps -would penetrate the enemy's line and double them up to the right and to 
the left, and then I was to pass out and cover the right flank of the assaulting 
column ; but the enemy still held possession of their lines up to within one 
hundred yards of the crater when I arrived, which surprised me. It left me no 
alternative of going out anywhere but directly opposite the crater, Avhere the 
9th corps went out. I could see no movement taking place beyond the crater^ 
towards Cemetery hill. The troops lay very thick in and around the crater, 
evidently more than could find cover from the enemy's fire. At that moment 
I received an order from General Ord again to move out rapidly to the right 
and cover General Potter on his right flank. It was evident to my mind that 
General Ord did not understand the topography of the country and the condi- 
tion of affairs as they were at tliat moment. It was impossible to move out to 
the right. The idea was that we would dispossess the enemy of their lines, 
roll them up to the right, and allow me to go out to the right over any portion 
of our lines for four hundred yards. That state of affiiirs did not exist. 
To have gone out to the right I showld have had to mount the parapet exposed 
to the enemy's fire directly opposite to me, (and they had their lines well manned 
at that time,) push through our own abatis, cross the morass through the ene- 
my's abatis, and mount his line, which was a line that had been deemed im- 
pregnable for two months previous, and the only manner of getting at them 
was by breaking them, as was done by the crater, and then doubling them up. 
But the enemy held possession of their line, and to go out right in front of the 
crater was piling men on top of men already in and around there. I sent back 
word to General Ord that it was impossible to go out in the manner he had in- 
dicated. To make sure, I gave orders to my leading brigade (which was 
arriving very slowly in consequence of passing through this long, narrow cov- 
ered way) to mass as i*: arrived, Avhile I went over and examined the ground in 
and around the crater. I passed over there, and was confirmed in the judgment 
which I had held previously from mounting the parapet. The crater Avas full 
of men; they were lying all around, and every point that would give cover to 
a man Avas occupied. There Avas no movement toAvards Cemetery hill ; the 
troops Avere all in confusion and lying doAvn. I asked one or two oflicers there 
if an attempt had been made to move on Cemetery hill. They said the attempt 
had been made, but it had failed. I then said, " You ought to intrench your 
position here, and you have too many troops here already to intrench. There 
are so many troops here that they are in each other's Avay ; they are only ex- 
posed to this terrific fire of the enemy," Avhich Avas then groAving Avarmer and 
warmer, and AA^as a very severe fire. While I was talking to an officer — Ave had 
sought shelter in the crater — the head of the colored division appeared at the crest 
of the crater, and the diA^sion commenced piling over into the crater and passing 
across it on the other side as Avell as they could. I exclaimed, "What are these 
men sent in here for? it is only adding confusion to the confusion Avhich already 
exists." The men literally came falling right over into this crater on their hands 
and knees ; they Avere so thick in there that a man could not A\'alk. Seeing 
that I AA'as going to be covered up there, and be entirely useless, I thought I 
would go out. As I had no control over these troops, and supposing there 
Avere officers in command, I said, "If you can get these troops beyond this line 
so that I can get out, I Avill move my division right out and cover your right 
flank ; " and I Avent back for the purpose of doing so. I met General Ord on 
our line at the head of my division. I said, "General, unless a movement is 
made out of the crater towards Cemetery hill, it is murder to send more men in 
there. That colored division should never have been sent in there ; but there 
is a furor there, and perhaps they may move off sufficiently for me to pass my 
division out." " Well," said he, " do so if they moA^e." • A very fcAv moments 
after I thought they had started to make a rush tOAvards Cemetery hill, and I 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETESSBURG. 135 

immediately ordered my leading brigade, wliicli was massed by regiments, to 
charge to the right of the crater. The colored division by that time had nearly, 
if not quite, all got into the crater ; had passed to the right of it perhaps fifty 
yards, and were all lying dov/n, principally this side of the enemy's line and in it, 
and were trying to cover themselves the best way they could. My leading 
brigade charged over our line up to the enemy's works, and took possession of 
about one hundred yards of it ; but there were no movements of the troops in 
and around the crater to advance on Cemetery hill. At the time my leading 
brigade charged I directed the head of my second brigade to move out through 
a break in our works where a creek passed through it, so as to join hands on 
the right of the first brigade, and charge the enemy's lines beyond. They suc- 
ceeded in getting only about half way betvreen our lines and the lines of the 
enemy, when they Avere stopped by the enemy's fire. The first brigade-, as I 
said, succeeded in reaching the enemy's works, and took possession of about one 
hundred yards of it, when they laid down. I immediately sent word to my 
first brigade commander, Avho was within hailing distance — within sight, proba- 
bly seventy-five yards off — to take his leading regiment and charge by the 
right flank, so as to sweep down the enemy's lines, while I brought up the 
second brigade. I was in hopes to take possession of a still greater length of 
the enemy's line. I returned to the brigade commander of my third brigade, 
and ordered him to mass his troops behind our lines, and hold them in readiness 
for any exigency. I had but just given him his instructions when my first 
brigade charged by the right flank, in obedience to my orders. I immediately 
passed over the line to the second brigade to give the command " Forward ! " 
I had got, probably, half way between our line and the enemy's lines — which 
were perhaps only a hundred j^ards apart at that point, and it was a very broken 
country, thick underbrush and morass — when, looking to the left, I saw the 
troops in vast numbers coming rushing back, and immediately my whole first 
brigade came back, and then my second brigade on my right, and everything 
was swept back in and around the crater, and probably ail but about one-third 
of the original number stampeded back right into our lines. . After some exer- 
tion I rallied my men of the first and second brigades after they got into our 
lines, while my third brigade hekf the- line. After rallying them I placed them 
in position in the line, and remained there until probably the middle of the 
afternoon, when I received orders to retire. I would state, further, that the 
peculiar topography of the ground had a great influence in determining the 
result. It was impossible to assault in mass ; columns had to come up only 
two file front. 

Question. AVhy was there any necessity for your coming up that covered 
way within our line, after the ninth corps had charged? 

Answer. The fire of the enemy had not been reduced, and it swept all the 
ground from the position where our division was massed up to the front of our 
line. 

Question. What was the distance '? 

Answer. 1 suppose that distance v^as four himdred yards. When I was dovm 
there the day before, I did not intend to pass through that covered way, knowing 
the great delay it would cause in trying to get troops through there. My idea 
was, and it was the idea conveyed at General Burnside's headquarters, that the 
ninth corps breaking the enemy's line would double it up to the right, and then 
I expected to move my division right over hill and vale — it was very rough. 
But by the time I got orders to move my division, the enemy's fire covered the 
ground. 

Question. And you were compelled to use the covered way because of the 
enemy's firel 

Answer. Yes sir; it was so heavy that the troops could not come up other- 
wise without great loss. 



136 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUEG. 

Question. You spoke about your first brigade passing to the enemy's line; 
did tbey pass through the crater? 

Answer. No, sir ; to the right of the crater. 

Question. Did they pass through the enemy's line, and charge his parapet? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. While you were in the crater, or at any other time, did you see any 
of the division commanders of the ninth corps in the crater, or immediately 
with their troops? 

Answer. I did not. I did not know General Potter, but I recognized no division 
commander of the ninth corps there. When I was in the crater I tried to find a 
division commander, for I had supposed I would find one in there, and I wanted 
to impress upon him my idea of the necessity of moving forward, because then 
was the time to determine what to do. It was one of two things : if we failed 
to move towards Cemetery hill, there was but one other thing to do, to intrench 
ourselves in the position we had gained, and we should have turned our attention 
to it. There was already twice the number of troops in and around the crater 
necessary to intrench themselves. They were in each other's way ; and it was 
necessary also to open a communication between the crater and our own line. 
I went over there to sec the ground, and to see a general officer and converse 
with him on that point, as I had no command or control over any of the nintlb 
corps. 



APPENDIX 



War Department, 
Washington City, February 8, 1865. 
Sir : In complianco with your request I transmit herewith a copy of the 
testimony before the court of inquiry, of which Major General W. S. Hancock 
was president, in relation to the explosion of a mine and attack upon the enemy's 
lines before Petersburg, Virginia, on the oOtli of July, 1864. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 
Hon. B. F. Wade, 

TJ. S. Senate, Chairman Committee on Conduct of War. 



EECORD OF THE COUET OF INQUIRY INSTITUTED BY SPECIAL ORDER No 
258, 1864, W. D. 

Note. — The erasures aud interlineations in this record were almost unavoidable under the 
circumstances, but they were not regarded sutiiciently objectionable to warrant the delay 
which would have attended the preparation of a fairer copy. The corrections were all made 
with the knowledge of the court. 

EDWARD SCHRIVER, 
Inspector General, Judge Advocate. 

Record of the proccedbtgs of court of inquiry instituted by virtue of the foUoicing orders: 

Special Orders ) War Department, 

No. 25S. ] Adft GcncraVs Office, Washington, D. C, Aug. 3, 1864. 

[Extract — Paragraph 43. ] 

By direction of the President a court of inquiry will convene in front of Peters- 
burg at ten o'clock a. m. on the fifth instant, or as soon thereafter as practicable, 
to examine into and report upon the facts and circurnstances attending the un- 
successful assault on the enemy's position on the 30th of July, 1864. 

The court Avill report their opinion whether any officer or officers are answer- 
able for the want of success of said assault ; aud if so, the name or names of 
such officer or officers. 

Detail for the court. 

Major General W. S. Hancock, Brigadier General R. B. Ayres, Brigadier Gen- 
eral N. A Miles ; and Colonel E. Schriver, inspector general, judge advocate, 
United States volunteers. 

By order of the Secretary of War: 

E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass't. Aclj't. Gen. 

FIRST DAY. 

Court Room, Headquarters Second Corps, 

August 6, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to the foregoing orders. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The order instituting the court was read, and the court and the judge advo- 
cate were sworn according to laAV. 

The judge advocate then presented and read the orders issued from the head- 
quarters of tlie army;" of the Potomac on the 29th of July, 1864, containing tlie 



138 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOKE PETEESBURG. 

" instructions for the guidance of all concerned " in the operations against tl.e 
enemy's position before Petersburg, on the 30th of July, as follows : 

Headquartkrs Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 186 4. 
Orders. — The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all concerned : 

1. As soon as it is dark Major General Burnside, commanding 9th corps, will 
withdraw his two Irigadcs under General White, occupying the intrenchmenls 
between the plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care will be 
taken not to interfere with the troops of the 18th corps moving into their posi- 
tion in rear of the 9th corps. 

General Burnside will form his troops for assaulting the enemy's works at day- 
light of the 30th ; prepare his parapets and abattis for the passage of the columns, 
and have the pioneers equipped for work in opening passages for artillery, de- 
stroying enemy's abattis, &:c., and the intrenching tools distributed for effecting 
lodgement, &:c. 

2. Major General Warren, commanding 5th corps, will reduce the number of 
his troops holding the intrenchments of his front to the minimum, and concen- 
trate all his available force on his right, and hold them prepared to support the 
assault of Major General Burnside. The preparations in respect to pioneers, 
intrenching tools, &c., enjoined upon the 9th corps, will also be made by the 5th 
corps. 

3. As soon as it is dark. Major General Ord, commanding 18th corps, will 
relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott's division of the 2d corps, and 
form his corps in rear of the 9th corps, and be prepared to support the assault 
of Major General Burnside. 

4. Every preparation will be made for moving forward the field artillery of 
each corps. 

5. At dark Major General Hancock, commanding 2d corps, will move from 
Deep Bottom to the rear of the intrenchments now held by the 18th corps, re- 
sume the command of Mott's division, and be prepared at daylight to follow up 
the assaulting and supporting column, or for such other operations as may be 
found necessary. 

6. Major General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom to Lee's mill, and at daylight will move with 
his Avhole corps, including Wilson's division, against the enemy's troops defend- 
ing Petersburg on their right, by the roads leading from the southward and west- 
ward. 

7. Major Duane, acting chief engineer, will havt; the pontoon trains parked at 
convenient points in the rear, prepared to move. He will see that supplies of 
sand-bags, gabions, facines, &;c., are in depot near the lines ready for use. He 
will detail engineer officers for each corps. 

8. At half past three in the morning of the 30th Major General Burnside will 
spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immediately move rapidly upon 
the breach, seize the crest in the rear, and effect a lodgement there. He will be 
followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, directing his 
movement to the crest indicated, and by Major General Warren, who will sup- 
port him on 'the left. Upon the explosion of the mine the artillery of all kinds 
in battery will open upon those points of the enemy's works whose fire covers 
the ground over which our columns must move, care being taken to avoid im- 
peding the progress of our troops. Special instructions respecting the direction 
of fire will be issued through the chief of artillery. 

9. Corps commanders will report to the commanding general Avhen their pre- 
parations are complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of the 
operation, and of everything important that occurs. 

10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 139 

to succes.-?, and the commanding general is confident that this indication of his 
expectations will insnre the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

11. Headquarters dm-ing the operation will be at the headquarters of the 9th 
corps. 

Bv command of Maior General Meade: 
^ S. WILLIAMS, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Whereupon the court directed the judge advocate to notify all the officers 
named therein of the institution and design of the court, so as to enable them 
to be present during its sessions, which was done by addressing the followmg 
circular to each : 

Court Rooai, Hkadquakters bEcoNo Coups, 

August 6, 1864. 

Sir • The court of inquiry instituted by the War Department, Special Orders 
No 258, of August 3, 1864, for the investigation of the facts and circumstaiices 
which attended the unsuccessful assault on the enemy's lines before Petersburg 
o^ the 30th ultimo, will meet here on the 8th instant and the days following at 
ten o'clock a. m., and I am directed to acquaint you thereof, so that you may be 
present at the court's session should you desire to do so. Please acknowledge 
the receipt of this communication to me at the headquarters of the army ot the 
Potomac. 

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 

^ ^ .' ^ EDWARD SCHIXIVER, 

Lispector General, Judge Advocate. 

Addressed to Major Generals Meade, Burnside, Warren, Sheridan, and Ord, 
and Brigadier Generals White, Hunt, and Mott, and Major Duane. _ 

The court then adjourned, to meet at ten o'clock a. m. on the 8th instant. 

SECOND DAY. 

Court Room, HEADdUAUTERS Second Corps, 

10 o'cIorJc a. m , August S. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the first day were read and approvea. 

The iudge advocate stated that he had engaged Mr. 1 inley Anderson a 
phonographer, to record the proceedings so long as he should do so to the court s 
satisfaction, and Mr. Anderson was sworn according to law. _ . ,• ■ 

It is here recorded, also, that all officers of rank who, it is supposed, partici- 
pated in the affair of the 30th ultimo have been informed that they could be 
present at the court's sessions, and make any statements they may regard im- 
portant to themselves should they see fit. 

Major General G.G.Meade, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, says : 
I propose in the statement that I shall make to the court-I presume the 
couri wLit me to make a statement of facts in connexion with this case-to 
give a slight preliminary history of certain events and operations which culmi- 
Led in fhe assault on July 30th, and which, in ^/ J^^f.^^^^^^.^^'^f ^/^^^ ,^ " 
show to this court that I had a full appreciation of the difficulties that were to 
be encountered, and that I had endeavored, so far as my capacity and JU^^S ^nt 
would enable me, not only to anticipate, but to take measures to overcome tlio.e 

difficulties. , ,, ., ^i v,, ti,„t 

The mine constructed in front of General Burnside was commenced b} that 



140 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

officer poon after the occupation of our present lines, upon the intercession of 
Lieutenant Colonel Pleasants, I think, of a Pennsylvanian regiment, without 
any reference to, or any sanction obtained from, the general headquarters of 
the army of the Potomac. When the subject was brought to my knowledge, 
1 authorized the continuance of the operations, sanctioned them, and trusted 
that the work would at some time result in forming an important part in our 
operations. But from the first I never considered that the location of General 
Burnside's mine was a proper one, because, from what I could ascertain, the 
position of the enemy's works and lines erected at that time, the position 
against which he operated, was not a suitable one in which to assault the enemy's 
lines, as it was commanded on both flanks, and taken in reverse by their posi- 
tion on the Jerusalem plank road, and their works opposite the Hare House. 

I will now read to the court the despatches which passed between Lieutenant 
General Grant, commanding the armies of the United States and myself, Avhich 
will bear in themselves a sort of history of those preliminary operations, a corres- 
pondence Avhich resulted, as 1 said before, in the final arrangements for the as- 
sault on July 30th, 

On the 24th July I received a letter from the lieutenant general command- 
ing, which I will now read. I had been previously informed by the lieutenant 
general commanding that he desired some operations to take place offensive, 
against the enemy, and he had instructed the engineer officer at his headquar- 
ters, the engineer officer at General Butler's headquarters, and the engineer 
officer at the headquarters of the army of Potomac, to make an examination of the 
enemy's position, and give an opinion as to the probable result of an attack. 
Their opinion is contained in the following letter: —(See document, marked A, 
appendix.) 

I desire to call the particular attention of the court to that communication, he- 
cause it contains the views of the lieutenant general commanding Avith reference 
to the assault which should be made on Petersburg, and I wish them to compare 
this communication with the orders and arrangements that I gave and made, so that 
they may see that, to the best of my ability, I ordered everything which he in- 
dicated to be done. 

At the time that this communication was made to me, however, I was under, 
the impression that the obstacles to be overcome were more formidable than the 
subsequent operations led me to believe, and also that subsequent to that time 
there had been no movement of the army to produce that great weakening of 
the enemy's front Avhicli afterwards occurred. Therefore my reply was to the 
effect that I was opposed to our making the assault. 

The following is my reply, sent on the 24th. — (See documents B and B 2.) 

In reply to that I received a communication or report from General Grant, 
the result of which Avas a suspension of the proposed attack. — (Document 0.) 

Next day I made a closer examination ; and in the mean time a signal station 
was erected in a pine tree in front of General Burnside, which gave us a more 
compleie view than we had previously had of the enemy's line. My observa- 
tions modified my views, because I could not detect a second line, although I 
detected isolated batteries on the crest. I therefore wrote the following com- 
munication to General Grant, dated 12 m., July 26. — (Document D.) 

To which I received the following reply. — (Dijcnment E.) 

There you perceive that the lieutenant general commanding ordered that 
whilst the 2d corps was across the James river I should immediately make an 
assault with the 9th and 5th, abandoning the line of the 5th corps. In ansAver 
to that I wrote him the following despatch. — (Document F.) 

That produced a suspension of the order to attack until the return of General 
Hancock. 

The next despatch I received from General Grant was the following. — (Doc- 
ument G.) 



EXPLOSION OF THE ML\E BEFORE rETEKSBURG. 141 

Which I answered at 1 p. m., July 2Sth, as follows.— (Document H.) 

I will here observe that Lieutenant General Grant, in consequence of the ser- 
vices which the 2d corps had performed across the river, desired, and gave me 
directions verbally to that effect, to use the 18th corps in the assault, and to 
let the 2d corps take the place of the 18th in the line. 

The next despatch I received was the following, dated City Point, July 29. — 
(Document I.) 

General Grant had come to my headquarters at 4 p. ui., and at that time I 
showed him the order for the assault next day, which had just then been 
prepared, and which order met with his perfect approbation : he read the order 
and expressed his satisfaction with it. No other despatches passed between the 
lieutenant general and myself. 

Next morning between half past three and four o'clock — before four o'clock, 
he arrived on the ground, at General Burnside's headquarters, and all further 
communications between us were verbal, until August 1st at 11.40 a. m., when 
I received the following despatch. — (Document J.) 

We had given our respective views concerning the assault, and I particularly 
impressed my views with reference to the difficulties to be overcome. When it 
was ascertained that the movement of the 2d corps had drawn over to the north 
bank of the James five of the eight divisions composing General Lee's army, 
together with the information I had obtained that the enemy had no second line 
upon the ridge, but only one or two isolated batteries, I came to the conclusion 
that the explosion of the mine, and the subsequent assault on the crest I had 
every reason to believe would be successful, and would be followed by results 
which would have consisted in the capture of the whole of the enemy's artillery, 
and a greater part of his infLintry. 

The plan sketched out by Lieutenant General Grant in his despatch to me, 
which 1 endeavored to carry out, and for the execution of which I gave the 
necessary orders, was, that the mine should be exploded as early as possible in the 
morning, before daylight; that in the mean time the 9th corps should be massed 
and formed in assaulting columns ; that ever preparation should be made by re- 
moving the abatis so that the troops could debouch, and particularly the assault- 
ing columns ; that as soon as the mine was exploded, the assaulting columns 
should push forward ; that a sufficient proportion should be left to guard the 
flanks of the main column, because they had to look for an attack on the flanks ; 
that the main body should hold the lines during the attempt to gain the crest of 
the hill, and if it was successful, then I intended to throw up the whole of the 
ISth corps to be followed by the 2d corps, and if necessary by the 5th corps 
also. I do not suppose it is necessary to read the order. I will read it, however. — 
(Document K.) 

Having read to the court the correspondence which passed between the lieu- 
tenant general and myself preliminary to the operations, and having read the 
order for the operations, I now propose to read and to accompany with some ex- 
planatory remarks the despatches and correspondence which passed between 
myself and Major General Burnside, who had the immediate active operations 
to perform; afterwards between myself and Major General Ord, between myself 
and Major General Warren, and between myself and Major General Hancock. 
These despatches, when compared with each other, and in connexion with the 
remarks which I shall make, will show the facts so far as they came to my 
knowledge ; and I wish the court to bear in mind, and I desire to call their at- 
tention particularly to the paucity of information which was furnished me by 
Major General Burnside of the operations which -\vere made, and to the difficulty 
that a major general commanding an army like the one I am commanding labors 
under to give direct orders in the ignorance of matters transpiring in the front 
at the immediate scene of operations. 

Before those operations were concluded upon I called on Major General Burn- 



142 EXPLOSION OP THE MINE EEFOKE PETERSBURG. 

side to furnish me in writing what he proposed to do in case his mine was ex- 
ploded. In response to Avhich I received tlie following report. — (Document L.) 
The request made in that communication by Major General Eurnside was 
complied with ; that is to say, sand-bags were furnished him ; but the amount 
of powder asked for, which was twelve thousand pounds, was reduced to eight 
thousand upon the belief on my part, and on my engineers, thai eight 
thousand pounds would be sufficient for the purpose. 

Another matter in that despatch to which my attention was directed, and 
which was finally the subject of an order on my part, is the suggestion of 
Major C4eneral Eurnside to place the colored troops at the head of the assaulting 
column. That I disapproved, and I informed him of my disapproval, which 
was based upon the ground, not that I had any reason to doubt, or any desire 
to doubt the good qualities of the colored troops, but that I desired to impress 
i;pon Major General Eurnside, which I did do in conversations, of which I 
have plenty of witnesses to evidence, and in everyway I could, that this opera- 
tion v.'as to be a coup-de-main, that his assaulting column was to be as a forlorn 
hope, such as are put into breaches, and that he should assault with his best 
troops ; not that I had any intention to insinuate that the colored troops were 
inferior to his best troops, but that I understood that they had never been 
inider fire, nor that they should not be taken for such a critical operation as this, 
but that he should take such troops as from previous service could be de- 
pended upon as being perfectly reliable. Finding General Eurnside very much 
disappointed — for he had made known to General Ferrero and his troops that 
they were to lead in the assault — and fearing that the effect might be injurious, 
and in order to show him that I was not governed by any motive other than 
such as I ought to be governed by, I told him I would submit the matter, with 
his reasons and my objections, to the lieutenant general commanding the armies, 
and I would abide by the decision of the lieutenant general, as to Avhether it 
was expedient and right ior the colored troops to lead the assault. Upon re- 
ferring the question to the lieutenant general commanding, he fully concurred in 
my views, and I accordingly addressed to Major General Eurnside, or had ad- 
dressed to him, the follownig communication. — (Document M.) 

[The following despatches read near the end of the testimony are here in- 
.serted, as directed, in their proper places.] — (Documents M 1, and M 2.) 

The next despatch to Major General Eurnside was addressed by me at 
9.45 p. m., July 29, thi; evening before the action. I had received a despatch 
from General Ord, stating that it would take him till very late to relieve the 
troops in the trenches. 

The following is my despatch to General Eurnside. — (Document N.) 
My idea was that General Eurnside should form his columns of assault, make 
all his preparations, take all his men out of the trenches, and move forward ; 
and that then General Ord should occupy his trenches in case he should find it 
necessary to return. No further despatches passed between General Eurnside 
and myself. I think it proper to state, however, that on the day previous to 
the assault I was at General Eurnsidc's headquarters, and had the good fortune 
to meet his three division commanders, and some conversation passed between 
us, and I would like the court to inquire into what transpired on that occasion, 
because I would like to impress upon the court, as 1 did impress upon General 
Eurnside and his officers, that this operation which we had to perform was one 
purely of time ; that if immediate advantage was not taken of the explosion of 
the mine, and the consequent confusion of the enemy, and the crest immediately 
gained, it would be impossible to remain there, for that as soon as the enemy 
should recover from their confusion, they would bring their troops and batteries 
to b:'ar upon us and we M'ould be driven out. That there v/ere two things to be 
done, namely, that we should go up promptly and take the crest;, for, in my 
judgment, the mere occupation of the crater and the holding on to that was of 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 143 

no pofc?sible use to us, because the enemy's line was not such a line as would be 
of advantage to us to hold, except to go from it to the crest, and that the troops 
were to be withdrawn when the assault proved unsuccessful. 

General Hancock, President. Do you not mean that you met four division 
commanders, instead of three as you said, at the headquarters of General Burn- 
side ? 

General Mkadk. No; I mean three. I saw Potter, Ledlie, and Wilcox, and 
I mentioned in the presence of those gentlemen the tactical manoeuvres to 
be made between that crater and the crest — that the only thing to be done 
was to rush for the crest and take it immediately after the explosion had 
taken place ; and that they might rest assured that any attempt to take time 
to form their troops would result in a repulse. 

Those were all the despatches that transpired between General Burnsitle and 
myself before the day of the assault. 

On the morning of the 30th, about aqu arter past three o'clock, Avhen I Avas 
about preparing to go forward to General Burnside's headquarters, I found that 
it Avas very dark, and suggestions being made by some of my officers that it 
was too dark to operate successfully, and that a. postponement of the explosion 
of the mine might be advantageous, 1 accordingly addressed a despatch to 
General Burnside to the following effect. — (Document 0.) 

To that I received the following reply from General Burnside. — (Doc- 
ument P.) 

I then went over to General Burnside's headquarters, he, during these opera- 
tions, being further to the front. The hour had arrived. I stood waiting. I 
heard no report from General Burnside and no explosion of the mine. In the 
mean time Lieutenant General Grant arrived. Finding that there was no 

explosion, I sent two staff officers, first Captain Jay, and then , I do 

not recollect the name of the other ; but I sent two staff officers to ascertain 
from General Burnside what the difficulty was, if there Avas any difficulty ; why 
his mine did not explode, if he knew ; to which I received no answer. At 4.10 
the following despatch Avas sent to him. — (Document Q.) 

And to this I got no answer. 

At 4.20 another despatch was sent to him, as follows. — (Document R.) 

I should have stated before this, that in order to secure the speedy transmis- 
sion of intelligence, I took the precaution to have a telegraph run from my head- 
quarters, in General Burnside's camp, to Avhere General Burnside had established 
his headquarters for the day, in the 14-gun battery. 

The following is the next despatch I sent to General Burnside. — (Docu- 
ment S.) 

To this I received no reply. Finding that no replies Avere received, and the 
lieutenant general commanding desiring that an immediate assault should be 
made without reference to the mine, at 4.35 the folloAving despatch Avas sent to 
General Burnside. — (Document T.) 

The same orders you Avill find were sent to General Warren, to General Mott, 
and to General Hunt, to open the artillery. About this time, hoAvever, about 
4.40, the mine Avas exploded. In the mean time Captain Jay returned, and in- 
formed me that the fuse had failed, that a defect Avas found, and the fuse had 
been overhauled, about fifty feet or twenty-five feet, I forget the distance, from 
the entrance, that the defect had been ascertained, and had been remedied, and 
that finally the mine had been exploded. So far as my recollection goes the mine 
was exploded about 4.40 or 4.45. At 5.45 a. m., one hour after the explosion of 
the mine, the folloAving despatch Avas sent to General Burnside. — (Document U.) 

The folloAving despatch was received from him, apparently as an ansAver to mine, 
although, through a difference in time, it is dated before it. — (Document V.) 

About this time, 5.45 or 5.50, (I see by reference to the despatch that it is 
5.45,) an orderly came up to me, and delivered me a despatch Avhich, upon 



144 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSRURG. 

opening, I found to bo a despatch from Colonel Loriug, inspector general of 
the 9th corps, written at the crater, and addressed, to General Burnside, which 
despatch the orderly, not knowing where to find General Burnside, had brought 
to his old headquarters, where it found me. That despatch, so far as I recollect 
the purport of it, was to the effect that General Ledlie's troops occupied the 
crater, but in his (Colonel Loring's) opinion, he feared the men could not be 
induced to advance beyond. That despatch was telegraphed to General Burn- 
side, and sent to him by an officer, so that I have no copy of it. That was the 
substance of it, however. It was shown to General Grant and General Hum- 
phreys, both of whom can give their recollection of it in confirmation of mine. 
It is an important matter to be taken into consideration here, that as early as 
5.45 a. m. a despatch was placed in my hands stating that General Ledlie's 
troops could not be induced to advance. 

In addition to that, the following despatch was sent to him. — (Document 
W.) 

Fearing that there might be some difficulty on the part of General Burnside's 
troops, I thought it possible that by another corps going in on his right, encour- 
agement might be given to his. men, and a prompt assault might be made. 

The next despatch I received was from an aide-de-camp, whom I had sent to 
General Burnside's headquarters to advise me of what was going on. It is 
dated 5.50, and is from Captain Sanders. — (Document X.) 

The next despatch that I will read is one addressed to General Burnside, at 
6 a. m. — (Document Y.) 

Despatches were at this time also sent to Generals Ord and Warren. You 
can keep these dates in your mind. 

The next despatch was received from Captain Sanders, at 6.10 a. m., as fol- 
lows. — (Document Z.) 

The following despatches are next in order. — (Documents 1, 2, and 3.) 

At seven a. m. Lieutenant General Grant put into my hand a despatch from 
Colonel Comstock, an officer whom he had sent to see the progress of opera- 
tions. — (Document 4.) 

I read all these despatches in order that you may see how I v/as situated on 
the occasion, and what I knew of what was going on. 

At 7.20, twenty minutes afterwards, I got the following despatch from 
General Burnside. — (Document 5.) 

Upon the receipt of this despatch from General Burnside, informing me that 
it was hard work to take the crest, at the same time he not having reported to 
me that anybody had attempted to take it, or that any part of his force had 
made any effort to take it ; with the despatches from my ofiicers, the despatch 
from Colonel Loring, and the despatch from Colonel Comstock, to the effect 
that the troops were lying there, I came to the conclusion that possibly there 
might be some difficulty in getting the men to move forward, either from the 
enemy's fire, or some imaginary obstacle the troops had to encounter; that, as 
it was now 7 o'clock, and that the place had been occupied at 5.30, I began to 
suppose that there was some reason for the delay which had not been officially 
reported. I considered it natural that General Burnside would be indisposed 
to make it known, so long as he had hopes of overcoming the difficulty. To 
me, in my position as major general commanding the army, it was a matter of 
the utmost importance, because it was my intention during the assault, and be- 
fore it, that if we could not carry the crest promptly by a coup-de-main, to 
withdraw the troops as quickly and safely as possible. Impressed with this 
view, and in order to get at the exact condition of affairs, and to justify General 
Burnside, if there was any reason of that kind, I addressed him the following- 
despatch. — (Document 6.) 

It is proper to say, that immediately after sending that despatch, and before 
receiving General Burnside's answer, I received a report verbally from Captain 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 145 

Sanders, that au attempt had been made to make an attack on the right, I 
think by General Griffin, and that he had been repulsed. I immediately sent 
another despatch to General Eurnside at 8 a. m., as follows. — (Document 7.) 

To the first of these two despatches, subsequent to sending the second, I re- 
ceived this reply. — (Document $.) 

The next despatch that I received was one from Colonel Comstock, about the 
same time, 8 a. m. — (Document 9.) 

The next despatch I received was one dated 8.45 a. m., from Captain San- 
ders. — (Document 10.) 

At 9 a. m. I received the following despatch from General Burnside. — 
(Document 11.) 

Tliat v.'a3 the first information I had received that there was any collision 
with the enemy, or that there was any enemy present. At 9.30 a. m. the fol- 
lowing despatch was sent to General Burnside. — (Document 12.) 

Then I received the following despatch from Captain Sanders. — (Document 13.) 

The next despatch was this, from Colonel Comstock. — (Document 14.) 

The next despatch to General Burnside, at 9.45, was the peremptory order to 
withdraw. — (Document 15.) 

Keceiving information from some person — 1 don't know who it was — that 
there \vas some difticulty about withdrawing at that time, that the safety of the 
column might be jeopardized by ixndertaking to withdraw it, the following 
despatch was sent to General Burnside, and also to General Ord, who had troops 
there at that time. None of my despatches to General Ord have been presented 
3^et, because it would have confused matters. I will read them hereafter. — 
(Document 16.) 

About that time, both Major General Burnside and Major General Ord camo 
to the headquarters where General Grant and myself were temporarily located. 
General Burnside seemed to be very much displeased at the order of withdrawal, 
and expressed the opinion that if allowed to remain there, by nightfall he could 
carry that crest. As, however, he did not give any reason to show how he 
could take it, and as he had been from half past five in the morning till nearly 
ten, and not only had not taken it, but had his men driven out of the works he 
had been occupying, and as Major General Ord, whose troops were also there, 
upon being asked if the crest could be carried, answered very positively that 
it was entirely out of the question, it was determined by the lieutenant general 
commanding and myself, or rather, as I referred the matter to him, and he 
desired the orders changed, it was determined that no further attempt should 
be made to take the crest, but that the men should be withdrawn whenever that 
could be done with security. 

There is now a very important point to which I will call the attention of the 
court, and which I want investigated very thoroughly, and that is the with- 
drawal from the crater. 

At the time the order was given to withdraw the troops, the report of Major 
General Ord v/as, tliat tlie crater of the mine was so overcrowded with men 
that it would be nothing but murder to send any more men forward there. I 
do not recollect as to whether the report of Major General Burnside was so de- 
finite, but I believe the report of Colonel Loriug was that there was at least one 
division of the troops in there. The impression left upon my mind was that at 
that time there were as many men in the crater as would enable them to defend 
themselves if attacked, and in case no defence was necessary and there was no occa- 
sion on my part to order troops to be sent there, I presumed that Major General 
Ord and liLsjor General Burnside, who were having charge of that operation, 
Would see that the men would be properly withdrawn. 

This conclusion having been arrived at by the lieutenant general and myself, 
and it not appearing necessary that we should remain any longer at Major 
Eep. Com. ] 14—10 



146 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBURG. 

General Burnside's liead quarters, the lieutenant general commanding withdrew 
to City Point and I withdrew to mj former headquarters, where I was in tele- 
graphic communication with Major General Burnside, and where, under the 
common correspondence between a general officer commanding the army and 
his subordinates, not to say under a peculiar .exigency, I expected to be in- 
formed of anything that should occur. I remained in total ignoi-ance of any 
further transactions imtil about six or seven o'clock in the evening. About that 
hour a report, or a rumor, reached me that there were a number of our wounded 
men lying between the crater and our line, and I think an appeal was made to 
me by General Ord if something could not be done to remove those men. I 
was not aware that there was any difficulty in the way of removing them, and 
wondered why they had not been removed, presuming that our men were in the 
crater, and as no report had been made to me that they had been withdrawn, 
I directed a despatch to be sent to Major General Burnside, calling upon him 
for information. Tluit despatch read as follows. — (Document 17.) 

You will remember that I left General Burnside's headquarters about 10 
o'clock, with the understanding that the troops were to be withdrawn when they 
could be withdrawn with security. 

[The following despatches were subsequently read by the witness :]—( Doc- 
uments 18, 18J, 18J, 18|, 19, 19|, 20.) 

So far as any information from General Burnside is concerned, I had to go 
to bed that night without knowing whether his troops were in the crater, or 
whether they were not During the night despatches were received, referring 
to the relief of General Ord's troops next morning, July 31, at 8.40 and 9 a. m. 
The despatches 18^ and ISJ were sent and received by General Humphreys. 
No despatch was received from General Burnside with reference to the with- 
drawal of these troops till 6.40 p. m., July 31, (marked ISf,) to which was 
sent the one marked 19. At 9.10 p. m., July 31, the despatch was received 
from General Burnside marked 10^, and the reply marked 20 was sent. Now, 
I beg leave to call the attention of the court to the fact that this despatch is 
dated 9.10 p. m., July 31, and although it does not give an official statement of 
the time of the withdrawal of the troops, I know, but only from other informa- 
tion, that the withdrawal was at about 2 p. m., July 30. And as I consider 
that my conduct is here the subject of investigation as much as that of any 
other officer or man engaged in this enterprise, I wish to repudiate, distinctly, 
any responsibility resting upon me for the manner of the Avithdrawal, beyond 
the orders I gave to the effect that the troops were to be withdrawn when they 
could be withdrawn with security; and if they had been able to repulse an at- 
tack of the enemy, it seems to me rather extraordinary that when another at- 
tack was threatened after the success, that they should be withdrawn simply 
because they were threatened with another attack. But that is the point to 
which I wish to call the attention of the court, and which I wish to have thor- 
oughly investigated. 

I believe those constitute the sum and substance of all the orders that passed 
between myself and Major General Burnside. But 1 respectfully submit to 
this court that, so far as it was in my power as the commanding general of this 
army to give orders, I anticipated the difficulties that occurred, and endeavored 
to avoid them as much as I could do so, and that I cannot be held responsible 
for the failure which afterwards resulted. 

Having finished my correspondence with and orders to General Burnside, I 
now propose to read the correspondence Avith and orders to General Ord, who 
was the officer commanding the force next to be employed after those of Gen- 
eral Burnside, and whose movements it is important to know. 

Major General Ord was directed to relieve his corps by General Mott's divi- ^ 
sion of the 2d corps on the evening of the 29th. He was then to move and 
mass his troops in rear of the 9th corps, and it was intended that he should 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 147 

support the 9th corps whenever the 9th corps had effected a lodgement on the 
erest ; that he was promptly to move up to them and support them on the crest. 
I had several interviews with General Ord on the 28lh and 29th. I went with 
him and showed him the position; showed him exactly the ground; gave him all 
the information I had, and also caused him to send staff officers to select positions 
for the troops, so that when it became dark they might know the roads. On 
the morning of July 30, Avhen it became evident to my mind that General Burn- 
side's troops were not going to advance further than the crater, and when I had 
reason to suppose it was owing to some difficulty on the part of the troops them- 
selves, and, so far as any official report" came to me, rather than obstacles pre- 
sented by the enemy, I sent a despatch to General Ord, changing his previous 
orders and directing him instead of supporting General Burnside to make an 
assault independent of General Burnside. That despatch and subsequent de- 
spatches are as follows. — (Documents 21, 22, 23, 23^, 231, 24.) 

There were some other despatches to General Ord of a similar character, (but 
I do not see them here,) to endeavor to get him forward independent of the ninth 
corps, to make an isolated attack, an attack of his own, independent of the ninth 
corps. Owing to the obstacles presented — the fact that there was no proper de- 
houchc for our troops to that portion of the enemy's line, and the fact that the crater 
was overcrowded with men — General Ord, considering those obstacles' insur- 
mountable, confined his operations to sending forward, I think, only one brigade. 
But General Ord and his division commanders have made reports, which will be 
placed before you. I forgot to bring them with me to-day. 

At about 9.45 a. m. the same orders were sent to General Ord as to General 
Burnside, with reference to the withdrawal of the troops. That finishes all that 
passed between General Ord and myself. 

The other supporting column was under Major General Warren on the left. 

la the original order General Warren was directed to mass his available 
troops on the right of the line, and to make all his preparations to support 
General Burnside in the assault wherever he should be ordered. 

At 4.40 a. m. the following despatch was sent to him. — (Document 25.) 

At 5.50, one hour afterwards, and immediately after my receiving the inform- 
ation that General Burnside's corps occupied the crater, the following despatch 
was sent to him. — (Document 26.) 

I wish to call the attention of the court to the fact that as early as 5.50 I 
authorized. General Warren, if he saw any opportunity of doing anything with 
his corps, not only in support of General Burnside but as an independent ope- 
ration of his own, that he should take advantage of it and push forward his 
troops. His reply, dated 6 a. m., is as follows. — (Document 27.) 

At 6.15 a. m., another despatch was received from him as follows. — (Doe- 
ument 28.) 

Then at 6.20 another despatch (No. 29) came from General Warren, in which 
he states that what we thought was a heavy line of the enemy behind the line 
occupied by Burnside's troops, as the sunlight comes out and the smoke clears 
away, proves to be our own troops in the enemy's position. 

You will perceive that at 5.40 I authorized General Warren and directed him 
to make an attack without waiting for the support of General Burnside, that is, 
if circumstances would justify his making an attack; and that his replies here 
indicate that no such attack was practicable. Coming to that conclusion and 
receiving information from the signal officers that the enemy had left their extreme 
right, which I presumed they would do, to mass on the centre to receive our at- 
tack, the following despatch was sent to General Warren at half past six 
o'clock. — (Document 30.) 

General Burnside asked for the reading of the despatch to General Wilson, 
commanding a cavalry division. 

General Meade replied that he did not have the despatch with him now, but 



148 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

would proci^re it for him. The order to General Wilson was written, he said, 
about the same time as the above despatch to General Warren— about half past 



SIX a. m. 



General. Burnside wished to be informed whether or not the order to General 
Wilson was rescinded. . t , i i 

General Meade replied that the order to the cavalry was rescmded when the 
iufentry was ordered to withdraw. _ 

General Meade then resumed the reading of despatches, presenting JJoc 
uments 31 and 32. , , , i - 

General Burnside. I would like to know what that despatch to the cavalry 
was, and exactly what time it was rescinded. 

General Hancock. If you will recollect the matter, vv^e will have it called tor 

subsequently. ^ ^ . t t -n i 

General Meade. Just make a memorandum of it, and I will have it sent. 
Indeed, I am not positive, but I think my despatches to General Sheridan, of 
the cavalry, are here. If they are, they will be read. 

The next despatch in order is the following, dated 7.30 a. m., to General 
Warren.— (Document 33.) .i, • i x j 

General Ayres still remained on the right, and the orders still existed to do 
anything with him that could be done to advantage. At 7.50 a. m. we have 
thenext despatch from General Warren.— (Document 34.) 

Nothing further was received while we awaited developments from Genera). 
Crawford until 8 a. m., when the following despatch was received from General 
Warren. — (Doeument 35.) . . , t 

Notwithstanding it was considered that General Warren's original order 
authorized him to take the batteries if it could be done, inasmuch as he was 
directed to move and attack with General Crawford, and as it was suggested 
that General Ayres might be required, it was thought proper to send him the 
following order at 8f a. m.— (Document 36.) 

At 9.15 a. m. the following despatch was received from General WaiTSn.— 

(Document 37.) -,,,,... i 

At this time the conclusion had been arrived at by the lieutenant general 
commanding and myself that the affair was over, and that nothing more could 
be done • and soon afterwards, orders similar to those which were sent to others 
were sent to General Warren, that he should not make any attempt to take the 
two-gun-battery. The following despatches were sent to General Warren.— 
(Documents 38, 38^, 39 and 40.) n i 

These are all the orders and communications that passed between l^eneral 
Warren and myself. He was authorized to attack, if he could see a good chance 
to attack. When he reported no chance to attack, and was asked what force he 
had available, he reported that he had no force available except he moved Ayres ; 
he was directed not to move Ayres until information was received from Crawford ; 
only, if he could attack the two-gun battery in his front, he was ordered to at- 
tack it, and then the operations were subsequently suspended. 

Now 1 have read you the communications that passed between mysclt and 
General Grant, myself and General Burnside, myself and General Ord, and my- 
self and General Warren. It now remains for me to read the communications 
that passed between myself and General Hancock, and myself and General Mott. 

The first was a communication sent at 4.40 a. m. to General Mott.— (Doc- 
ument 41.) ,11 ^ * 

At 4.50 a. m. the following despatch was sent to the telegraph operator at 
the headquarters of the 18th corps.— (Document 42.) •, -r r j 

The following despatch, dated July 30, 6 a. m., was sent to General Hand- 
cock after the mine was occupied. — (Document 43. 

The following despatches were sent and received.— (Documents 44, 4o, 
45.^, 451, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52.) 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 149 

These include the despatches sent to the cavahy. I would explain that the 
separate orders to General Wilson were issued because General Sheridan, com- 
manding the cavalry corps, was across the James river, at Deep Bottom, with 
two divisions, and I had to issue separate orders to General Wilson, so that he 
miojht be ready for the movement next day. 

Here are some despatches which are of no particular consequence, but I will 
leave them here. They are despatches from the signal officers, indicating 
the movements of the enemy : 

General Burnside. I would suggest that all the despatches should be left. 

General Hancock. General Meade is now giving his direct testimony, and 
only such despatches are numbered as he wishes to incorporate. The others 
will be left here and can be called for at any time. 

General Meadb. Well, I will read these despatches, and _jou can number 
them and put them down. — (Documents 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58.) 

It was on those reports of the signal officers that General Warren's orders 
were predicated. 

The following is the report of the chief of engineer. — (Document 59.) 

I believe I have now read every despatch that I have received, and the court 
ai-e fully aware of all the information that I received on the ground. 

General Burnside said that before the court adjourned he would like to ask 
what latitude was allowed in the investigation. 

General Hancock explained that the court had gone back to the orders 
from General Meade, the orders from General Grant, and to the first inception 
of the mine. 

General Meade. I would state that in the general orders issued on the night 
previous to the assault, tiie cavalry wan ordered to make this attack on the 
left. Two divisions of the cavalry corps were over at Deep Bottom. They 
could not cross the river until after the second corps had crossed, so that it was 
late in the day before they came up. Indeed, the head of the column did not 
appear before the offensive operations were suspended. 

As General Wilson had been ordered to be in readiness, however, and in 
view of the unavoidable delay of Sheridan, orders were sent to General Wilson 
not to wait for General Sheridan, but to push on himself to the Weldon rail- 
road and make an assault upon the enemy. 

No report was received from General Sheridan. General Sheridan was sick. 
General Gregg reported in the evening that he had advanced his cavalry, and 
that they found the enemy in force at Reams's station, at Gurley's house, and 
at various other points along the railroad. There was no attack made by the 
cavalry except at Lee's mills, where General Gregg encountering cavalry, drove 
them away to water his horses. When it was known that our offensive opera- 
tions were suspended, orders were sent to the cavalry that they should push ou 
as far as possible and find out the enemy's position, but the original orders 
about going into town were modified, inasmuch as the operations in our imme- 
diate front were suspended. 

I desire to say to the court, that it has not been my disposition or intention 
to throw censure upon anybody for the unfortunate failure ; that, indeed, I have 
not been furnished with the necessary information to enable me to do so. I have 
not yet received Major General Buruside's or h^.s subordinate commanders' 
official reports. 

I have very little knowledge of what actually transpired except from the 
despatches you have heard read here. I have been groping in the dark since 
the commencement of the attack. I did not wish to take any unpleasant 
measures, but I thought it my duty to suggest to the President of the United 
States that this matter should be investigated, and that the censure should bo 
made to rest upon those who are entitled to it. What I have done has been to 
show that I tried to do all I could to insure success. 



150 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

During the day Geiieral Eurnside and some of liis staff, Generals Potter and 
Ferrero of the 9th corps, were present. 

The court adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. on the 9th. 

THIRD DAY. 

Court Room, Headquarters Second Corps, 

August 9, 1864. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayers and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The reading of the record of the second day was proceeded with until sus- 
pended at page 30, document 25, by General Burnside's verbal application to 
have all the documents bearing date after 2 o'clock p. m. on the 30th July, and 
all evidence relating to events subsequent to that time, removed from the record, 
the reasons for which, by direction of the court, were reduced to writing, and 
presented as follows : 

Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

Aiigust 9, 1S64. 
Gentlemen : I beg to submit to the court that all testimony, whether by 
despatches or otherwise, relating to occurrences subsequent to 2 p. m. on 30th 
July last, at which time our troops had withdrawn from the enemy's line, and 
the assault was over, should be erased from the record, and no such evidence 
admitted in future. 

The terms of the order appointing the court distinctly limit the action of the 
court to reporting the " facts and circumstances attending the unsuccessful 
assault on the enemy's position on the 30th July, 1864," and "their opinion 
whether any officer or officers are answerable for the Avant of success of said 
assault," and whatever events happened subsequent to the withdrawal have ua 
relation to the success or want of suci^ess of the assault, and are not within the 
purview of the court. 

Moreover, certain of these subsequent occurrences have been made the sub- 
ject of charge against me by the major general commanding the army, and ou 
which charges I am to be tried by another court. They, therefore, should not 
be investigated by this court. 

I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Court of Inquiry, 

Maj. Gen. Hancock, President. 

The following paper was then submitted by Major General Meade : 
" I respectfully submit to the com-t that the objection raised by Major 
General Burnside is not tenable. As I have before said, I consider my conduct 
the subject of the coiirt's investigation. To show that I was not, and could 
not be, held responsible for the manner of the withdrawal, and the circumstances 
attending it, it is necessary for me to show that I was not furnished with any 
information ; and furthermore, I claim the right to show in evidence that no 
effort on my part was omitted to obtain the necessary information. 

" Independent of this personal consideration, and my rights as one whose 
conduct is luider examination, I beg leave, also, to submit that the receiving of 
these official despatches in this case cannot, in any way, affect the case of 
General Burnside when on trial on the charges referred to by him. Those 
charges are disobedience of orders, and have no reference to his management of 
affairs on the 30th, because, even should it be proved to the satisfaction of the 
court (and I shall be glad to hear that it is) that General Burnside is in no way 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 151 

responsible for tlie lamentable failure on the SOtli, it does not alter the facts of 
the case v/hether he obeyed or disobeyed my orders on that or any other occasion. 

" This is a foreign matter, stands on its own merits, and has no connexion 
with the proceedings of this court, beyond the fact that these documents will 
be produced in both cases. 

" Again, I respectfully submit, General Burnside's objections should have 
been made earlier in the proceedings, because among the charges preferred 
against him is one based on the very disrespectful despatch sent by him to me 
at light, a. m. July 30th, and this despatch should be thrown out on the same 
ground, which would at once prevent me from stating my case in the manner ' 
in which I claim I have the right to. 

" I beg leave to call the attention of the court to the hour of 2 o'clock being 
specified in General Burnside's objections, and ask the court to note that there 
is no evidence before them v/hen the assault, if any, was made, or what occurred 
at 2 o'clock. 

" I take it this court must modify the rules which would govern courts of 
inquiry when the conduct of only one individual is called in question. This 
court has to pass judgment on the conduct of numerous officers, and the rela- 
tive rights of each should be considered. 

" As I understand it, no one in particular is arraigned here, and, therefore, 
what occurs here can only be repeated elsewhere to the detriment of any of the 
parties concerned, and must be repeated. 

" These are official documents, part of the archives of the army of the Poto- 
mac, and their production in my vindication will give no weight to their 
production against General Burnside, should he be tried on the charge of diso- 
bedience of orders. For these reasons I must respectfully insist on the coxirt's 
receiving them." 

General Bui-nside then submitted the following : 

" In reply to General Jleade's argument, I beg to say that there is no evi- 
dence on the record, and none furnished by the documents in question, that 
General Meade did in any way, by aide-de-camp or otherwise, use means to 
obtain any information in reference to the withdrawal, or anything that occurred 
after he left my headquarters about 11 o'clock, until after 6 o'clock in the 
evening, instead of, as he states, no effort being omitted on his part to obtain 
the necessary information. Nor was such effort made, to my knowledge. 
General Meade himself states, in his argument, that the charges have no refer- 
ence to the management of affisxirs on the 30th, and as these charges contain in 
full the documents to which I object, thev therefore should be excluded here. 

" A. E. BURNSIDE, 3Iajor General." 

The court was cleared. The court was opened, and the following decision 
of the court announced : 

The proper time for objection to the reception of evidence is when it is offered 
and before accepted. Due notice was given to all persons who were supposed 
to be interested in the investigation (of whom General Burnside was one) to be 
present if they so Avilled. The court, however, decides that the evidence, docu- 
mentary and verbal, in question, has a bearing on the conduct of individuals 
other than General Burnside. The court is ordered to examine into the "facts 
and circumstances attending the unsuccessful assault on the enemy's position 
on the 30th July," and the authorities permit a court of inquiry to enter into 
such incidental examination of particular points as may become necessary to a 
full understanding of the matter at issue. 

The court therefore considers it a duty to examine into all the circumstances 
of the assault, the subsequent withdrawal of the troops, and everything con- 
nected thereAvith. 



152 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSKURG. 

The judge advocate coutimied. tbe reading of the record of the second day, 
■and, on completion, it was approved, several corrections having been made by 
ithe witness, whose meaning had not been fully understood. 

The examination of Major General Meade v^as then resumed. 

Question by judge advocate. When did Mott's division leave Deep Bottom, 
and arrive at the 18th corps to relieve it ? 

Answer. Orders were given in person to Major General Hancock about 5 or 
'6 o'clock on the evening of the 28th, requiring him to withdraw Mott's division, 
■ then in his Hue of battle, in the presence of tlie enemy, after dark, and send it 
to report to General Ord, commanding the 18th corps. Orders were subse- 
quently given to General Ord, when the division came up, about daylight on 
the 29th, to mass it in the woods near the railroad, out of sight of the enemy, 
and at dark on the evening of the 29th to put it in his trenches to relieve his 
corps. 

Adjourned till 10 o'clock a. m. on the 10th. 

FOURTH DAY. 
Court Room, Hbaduuarters Second Corps, 

August 10, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Milcis and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

There were also present Generals Ferrero, Potter, and "Wilcox, of the 9th 
corps, General Mott, of the 2d, and General Carr, of the 18th. 
The proceedings of the third day were read and approved. 

Testimony of General Meade continued. 

Questions by General Burnside : 

Question. Where were your headquarters during the action of the 30th 1 

Answer. From four o'clock until about eleven — I am not exactly confident as 
to the time of leaving it — my headquarters, as announced in the order of battle 
on the day previous, were established at the headquarters of the 9th corps. At 
eleven o'clock, or about that time, as near as I can remember, I removed to the 
headquarters of the army of the Potomac, which are situated about three-quarters 
of a mile to the eastward of the headquarters of the 9th corps, and are in tele- 
graphic communication with the same headquarters where I remained during the 
rest of the day. 

Question. How ftir was that from the scene of action ? 

Answer. If by the scene of action is meant the crater of the mine and that 
portion of the enemy's line in front of it, so far as I have knowledge of the ground, 
derived from maps, I should suppose that the headquarters of the 9th corps were 
possibly a mile to the eastward of the crater, and my headquarters are three- 
quarters of a mile, as I stated, beyond that, still further to the east. 

Question. Could anything of the action be seen from there ? ' 

Answer. Nothing could be seen from any of the points that I occupied. 

Question. Did you go farther to the front during the action ? If so, Avhere ? 

Answer. I did not leave the headquarters of the 9th corps during the active 
operations. 

Question. Did you not know that there were several positions on our line 
where you could see the action for yourself, and yet be in as proper a place 
for you as in General Burnside's permanent camp, and also have full personal 
communication with Generals Burnside and Ord, and be much nearer to General 
Warren, and likewise have telegraphic communication with the rest of the array 1 

Answer. I undoubtedly was aware that there were points of the line where I 
could see more of the action than I could see at the position I occupied, but I 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 153 

was not aware that there was any point where I could see anything particularly, 
or on which I could base any orders. I adopted the position I did in conse- 
quence of its being a central one, and in telegraphic communication with all parts 
of the line where officers were stationed with whom it was necessary to com- 
municate ; and having a large staff, and many communications to receive, and 
many persons to communicate with, and being there in telegraphic communi- 
cation, I considered it more proper to remain where I announced to the army my 
headquarters would be, and where all information could be oent to me, than to 
make any change of position as intimated in the question. Besides which, I 
desire to say to this court that it has been a matter of policy with me to place 
myself in such position that my communications made, and the replies made 
thereto, should be made in such way as a record could be kept of them, and not 
be confined to verbal communications, which are often subject to misapprehension 
and to misconstruction. There undoubtedly was telegraphic communication 
from General Burnside's headquarters in the field — the fourteen-gun battery, as 
it was called — with the other headquarters in the army. 

Question. Did you not have an aide-de-camp with General Burnside during 
most of the action 1 

Answer. During a portion of the time I did have Captain Sanders, aide-de- 
camp, at the headquarters of General Burnside. I sent him there in conse- 
quence of not receiving any communication from General Burnside, in the hope 
that he would be enabled to send me some information. 

Question. Was not Captain Sanders sent tliere before the mine exploded 1 

Answer. No, sir ; he was sent there some considerable time after the mine 
■exploded ; that is, upon the duty that I now refer to. I have previously stated 
to the court that before the mine exploded I sent two officers to endeavor to ex- 
plain the delay. One was Captain Jay and one might have been Captain Sanders ; 
but they returned before the explosion of the mine. After the explosion of the 
mine I sent Captain Sanders on the duty that I now refer to, which was to re- 
main at General Burnside's headquarters and communicate to me anything which 
he could ascertain, I think it further proper to add to this answer to this questien 
that, finding I did not get the information which I desired to have, or Avhich I 
thought I could have, and fearing that my having sent an aide-de-camp — the 
object being to facilitate the transmission of information — might be used to deter 
responsible officers from communicating information to the commanding general, 
I withdrew Captain Sanders, before the action closed, by an order. 

Question. For what purpose was he sent 1 Was it not to report to you the 
state and progress of affairs, and did he not so report 1 

Answer. 1 have already answered the first part of that question. As to his 
reports, all the despatches from him are on file in my evidence before the court. 
As to whether he reported all that he should have reported, and all the informa- 
tion to be obtained, I presume the court will ascertain from him and from other 
evidence. , 

Question, Was there any information not furnished you by General Burnside, 
or through other sources, which, if received, would have iniluenced your conduct 
of the action? If so, what? 

xVnswer. I have already informed the court that all the information I received 
has been placed before them in the shape of official documents. It is impos- 
sible for me to say v/hat my action would have been if I had received any other 
information. I acted upon the information I received. 

Question. What time did Captain Sanders leave General Burnside to return 
to vou ? 

Answer. 1 should say it was about half past eight ; between that and nine, 
as near as I can recollect. I have a copy of the order to him, which I can fur- 
nish if desired. 

Question. You state that General Burnside's despatch of 9 a. rn. was the first 



154 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

information you had received that any collision had taken place, or that there 
^YSLS any enemy in our front ; had you not, before the receipt of this despatch, 
written to General Burnside in reference to General Griffin's attack and repulse ; 
also, received a despatch from Captain Sanders speaking of captured colors ; 
also, seen and examined rebel prisoners taken that morning "? 

Answer. In reply to that question, I would say that I am willing to assume 
that there is an apparent discrepancy in my testimony, which I am very glad 
to have an opportunity of explaining. I should suppose that any one cognizant 
of the circumstances that took place on that day, even of the most general na- 
ture, would know that I never meant to say that I did not know that there was 
no enemy anywhere. I was fully aware that when the crater was occupied a 
number of prisoners were taken. I was also aware that the enemy occupied 
their lines both on the right and on the left of the position occupied by General 
Burnside ; and I did know that Captain Sanders had made a report of captured 
colors, and that an attack had been made in front of Griffin ; but my whole atten- 
tion was absorbed in the endeavor to have a charge made to the crest, and my 
thoughts were all upon that ; and when I said this was the first intimation I 
had of there being any enemy in the front, I meant any enemy so situated as 
to prevent a direct assault upon the crest. Besides which, I must throw myself 
upon the consideration of the court, and say that the vast number of despatches, 
the frequency with which they were sent and received, was such that ray mem- 
ory may not serve me well, and the incidents may be, in a measure, not related 
in the exact order in which they occurred. I wish to call the attention of the 
court to a very important foct for the benefit of General Burnside, if it results 
to his benefit as well as to mine, and that is the difficulty of having the time of 
these despatches uniform. A despatch is sent to me marked with the time of 
the officer who sends it, but the time by his watch may be ten or fifteen minutes 
diiferent from mine. But I do honestly and conscientiously say that tliat was 
the first positive information, when I received that despatch that the men of the 
9th and 18th corps were returning, that I had that there was any such force or 
disposition of the enemy as to render it questionable that that assault could 
be made. 

General Burnside here remarked, " I want the record in such a shape as to 
enable the casual reader and the revising officer to see that there Avas, before 
that time, an effort on my part, or on the part of some person near me, to give 
information, and not an effort to cast any imputation on General Meade, and I 
do not desire to invalidate his testimony, but simply to elaborate. I am confi- 
dent that there is no disposition on the part of General Meade to make erroneous 
statements." 

Question. Have you a note written me by you about two weeks before the 
assault as to the practicability of an assault in my A-ont, my answer thereto, 
your second letter, and my reply, and will you be kind enough to furnish 



copies f 

Answer. I presume that those documents, like all other official documents, 
are on file. I will have a search made for them, and as soon as they arc dis- 
covered will very cheerfully furnish General Burnside or the court a copy of them. 

[General Burnside explained that one of them was a semi-official lettei', and 
General Meade, being reminded of the purport of it, answered that he did not 
think he had it.] 

By the court : 

Question. What knowledge had you of the movements of the different di- 
visions of the enemy on July 30 ] 

AnsAver. I had very positive information from deserters, not only those who ^ 
came within my own lines here, but those who came into the lines of General 
Butler, and those who came into the lines of General Hancock, that there were 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 155 

but three divisions of tbe enemy in our front, consisting of Malione's division of 
Hill's corps, and Johnson's and Hoke's divisions of Longstreet's corps ; and that 
the other divisions of Lee's army were on the north side of the James river, 
confronting Generals Hancock and Sheridan, on the 29th. I also received the 
same information from prisoners taken that morning. During the operations I 
received information from the signal officer on the plank road that the enemy 
were moving troops from their right to their centre, which I anticipated, and 
upon receiving that information the orders were sent to General Warren to en- 
deavor to turn the enemy's right by pushing forward General Crawford, and to 
General Wilson to push on without delay, without waiting for the arrival of 
General Sheridan, coming from Deep Bottom. 

Question. Did the order to suspend operations (given about 9 a. m., July 30) 
originate with Lieutenant General Grant? 

Answer. No, sir; the order, I think, originated with myself. Some time be- 
fore the order was given I informed Lieutenant General Grant that, as far as I 
could see, there was no prospect of our succeeding in the manner in which we 
had expected to do; that the time had passed for the coup-de main to succeed; 
and I suggested to him that we should immediately withdraw the troops, to 
which he acceded. About that time a despatch was received from the signal 
officer of the 5tli corps, stating that the colored troops had captured a brigade of 
the enemy, with four of their colors, to which, although, I did not attach much 
importance, not knowing how a signal officer could see an operation of that kind 
when it did not come to me from the officer in charge of the operation. We, 
nevertheless, suspended this order and held it in abeyance until the arrival of 
the despatch of General Burnside, informing me that some of the men of the 18th 
and 9th corps were retiring, and I think also that the Lieutenant General him- 
self rode down to our trenches and made some personal examination, and had 
seen General Ord, and had some conversation with him. Upon his return, from 
what he had heard from General Ord, and subsequently an officer coming in and 
saying that the colored troops, instead of capturing a brigade and four colors, 
had themselves retired in great confusion, which information, I think, was given 
me by Major Fisher, the chief signal officer, I again referred the subject to the 
lieutenant general, and again gave him my opinion that, as it was then about 
9.25, it was unnecessary to make any other efforts, and an unnecessary sacrifice 
of life; my idea being that they could be withdi-awn without any difficulty 
then, or we should have difficulty later in the day in withdrawing them. To 
this he assented, and the order was given to withdraw them. Afterwards, when 
the information was received from General Burnside of the difficulty of retiring, 
then the order was modified. 

Question. Were any instructions given for destroying the bridges in Petersburg 
in case the crest was gained 1 

Answer. There were not, for two reasons ; and first, if we had succeeded, as I 
hoped we Avould, in overcoming the enemy, we should have driven them across 
the Appomattox, and should have wanted those bridges to follow them, but the 
contingency of their destroying those bridges was held in view, and it was to 
meet that contingency that the chief engineer was ordered to have a pontoon 
train brought up so that we could throw our own bridges. My expectation was 
that if we had succeeded in the coup-de-main, these three divisions of the 
enemy would have gone out of our Avay, and we should be enabled to cross not 
only the Appomattox, but also Swift run, and open up communication with General 
Butler at Bermuda Hundred before General Lee could send any re-enforcements- 
from the five divisions that he was known to have north of the James river. 



156 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Major General A. E. Burnside, United States volunteers, duly sworn, says: 

Soon after tliis army arrived before Petersburg, I received a note from Gen- 
eral Potter, stating that if it was desirable tlie fort in front of his position could, 
in his opinion, be mined; and that he would, at my request, make a statement of 
the matter, or would come to my headquarters with Colonel Pleasants, of the 
4Sth Pennsylvania, and lay the matter before me verbally. 

I sent him word that I would be glad to take the matter into consideration, 
and accordingly he and Colonel Pleasants came to my headquarters and laid 
before me a plan for running a mine to that position. In the course of the con- 
versation Colonel Pleasants remarked to me that this thing had first been sug- 
gested by the men of his regiment, who, I think, weit; stationed in the advance 
line, and pretty much all of whom were miners from Schuylkill county, Penn- 
sylvania. The matter was fully discussed, and I authorized General Potter to 
commence the work — making the remark, if I remember right, that it could cer- 
tainly do no harm to commence it, and it was probably better that the men 
should be occupied in that way, and I would lay the matter before General 
Meade at my earliest opportunity. We parted with that understanding, and the 
work was commenced. 

Probably at the first interview that I had with General Meade I mentioned 
the matter to him. Ho said to me that he had no instructions in reference to 
siege operations in his front; that that was a matter for the lieutenant general 
to decide upon ; that he could not authorize any work of that kind, but he 
would acquiesce in it; and I am inclined to think that I have upon record a 
letter to the same effect from General Meade. This work was started and pro- 
gressed with the full knowledge of General Meade ; in fact, I was in almost daily 
communication with him, and much conversation was had upon that subject. 

When the gallery was first started th^re were many discouragements, in the 
way of prophecies as to its failure, which had to be overcome, and a great 
many suggestions as to the mode by Avhich the work should proceed. I, how- 
ever, left the matter entirely in the hands of General Potter, Colonel Pleasants 
and his regiment, feeling satisfied that these miners had experience in matters 
of that kind, which would enable them to accomplish this work. 

When it began to be demonstrated that we would probably reach a point 
under the enemy's fort, conversations were had with reference to the feasibility 
of an assault after the explosion had taken place. Feeling that the old troops 
of the 9th corps had experienced very hard service during the campaign, and 
had been in so many engagements that they were very much wearied, and their 
ranks thinned, I made up my mind, if I was called on to make an assault with 
the 9 th corps, to place the 4th division under General Ferrero in the advance, 
inasmuch as that division had not sufiered so severely — in fact, had not been in 
any general engagement during the campaign, but had frequently been very 
honorably engaged on the outposts of the army. Genert^l Ferrero himself, and ' 
all his officers, expressed to me their utmost confidence in his troops, and es- 
pecially his confidence in their ability to make a charge, or, in other words, a 
dash. I accordingly instructed him to drill his troops with a view to leading 
the advance, in case the 9th corps was called upon to make the attack. 

Soon after this. General Meade called upon me for a statement as to the 
practicability of making an assault in my front, which call seemed to have been 
general, or, rather, seemed to have been made upon all the generals commanding 
corps then on the advance line. I answered him, giving to him, as I conceived 
to be, under the circumstances, a proper opinion, stating that I thought the 
chances were fair that a successful assault could be made from my front if it 
could be supported in a specific way, and I could have the discretion of de- 
termining when the supporting columns should be put in. General Meade 
answered me to the effect that he commanded this army, and that he could not 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 157 

give to any one the authority to determine as to the time that his troops should 
be put iu action ; that he would be glad to receive from me at all times such 
suggestions as I might make, but that he himself would take the responsibility 
of re-enforcing any force that he should sec fit to order in action, or words to 
that effect. I at once wrote him a letter, stating that I had no disposition 
whatever to claim the right to put other troops than my own in action ; that I 
had simply made this suggestion becaufe I had given troops to other corps 
commanders to support their columns, which they themselves had used during 
the campaign without any interference on my part, and I simply meant to ask 
what I had granted to others. That while I was certainly not anxious to put 
my own troops in action, the troops of any other corps could be called upon to 
make the assault; that . I was fully willing to accord to General Meade more, 
military skill than I pos.-^e.-^.^cd, and more ability to put troops in action, but 
that my troops had l)eeu given lo corps commanders, both on my right and on 
my left, and placed in aelion by them; and as I before said, I simply desired 
to have accorded to me what 1 had accorded to them. 

It was decided, I believe, at that time, that no assault should be made ; but 
I, notwithstanding, sent for General Ferrero, and directed him to go do>vu to 
our advance line and select positions for concentrating his division, to look at 
the positions on the line over which he had to pass, and to reconnoitre the ground 
over which his division would have to pass in an assault upon Cemetery hill. 
I also directed him to send his brigade commanders down for the same purpose, 
and indicated to him exactly the position which I wanted him to take, and the 
parts of the line over which I desired him to pass. I requested that he would 
present to me a plan for the manoeuvring of his troops in case an assault of that 
kind were ordered. 

In accordance with that, General Ferrero presented me a plan which is in 
substance laid down in my plan of attack, and contained in the proceedings 
already before you. — (See document L.) I approved of this plan, especially that 
part of it which contemplated the movement of troops to the right and left of the 
breach which we might make in the line, in order to allow the other column to 
proceed to the front without any molestation from any of the enemy that might 
be left in the rifle-pits on the right and left of tlie breach. This must have 
been fifteen or twenty days, if not more, before the assaixlt was made. I was 
afterwards informed by General Ferrero that his troops had been drilled for a 
movement of that kind, and was informed by a large number of his ofScers that 
it was their understanding that they were to make an attack with them ; that, 
if I mistake not, they had passed over lines on intrenchment,?, performing the 
movement with a view to fomiliarizing their men with the movement, and_ they 
each and all expressed to me the greatest possible confidence in their ability to 
accomplish the work, which I considered a very material element in making the 
movement. 

Nothing of importance occurred for a few days before the mine was sprung, 
except owlinary conversations with reference to the charge which was to be 
placed in the mine. 

I, myself, from a long experience in experiments with gunpowder — havirig 
been a manufacturer of arms several years before the war commenced, and in 
constant practice with fire-arms — had a particular view with reference to the 
mode in which the mine should be charged, and the amount of charge to be 
placed in it. It was not in accordance with the methods laid down iu scientific 
works upon the subject of military mining, but entirely in accordance With all 
experience in mining and blasting by civil engineers, Avithia the last two or 
three years, since the method of heavy tamping had been abandoned. It is 
not wo'i-th while for me to enter here into an explanation of my theory, because 
I can present the report of the officer who built the mine, and that will explain 
the matter fully. It is sufficient to say that the mine was charged partially 



158 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

upon my theory, and partially upon the theory of the old-established plan of 
military mining. In the theory Avliich I decided to be adopted, large charges 
could be used without detriment, in my opinion, to persons in the immediate 
proximity of the mine; but persons who were not of my opinion felt that the 
effect of this mine at great distances, -with the charge which I proposed to place 
in it, Avould be very great ; and it became, from some cause or other, known to 
my troops, both officers and men, that a difference of opinion of that kind had 
arisen, and to such an extent that I have had general officers come to me and 
ask mo if I did not think the charge I was putting in the mine was too large. 
I did not think the charge so large that there was danger of injuring our own 
men. This feeling among the men had a certain effect Avhich I will leave for 
the court to decide, and, if they request it, I will send them the names of wit- 
nesses who have mentioned to me that impression on the subject long before the 
mine exploded, so that there can be no mistake as to the impression that pre- 
vailed at the time. I, myself, was satisfied, without knowing definitely that 
the charge which I desired to place in the mine could be placed there with 
safety. I witnessed this anxiety among the troops with a good deal of con- 
cern. But that it did not prevail in the division which it was supposed would 
make the assault — it not being then upon our lines — was a source of gratifica- 
tion to me. This court will see, by looking at the documents which General 
Meade has presented, that I was directed to keep the amount of powder placed 
in the chambers within the limits of rules prescribed by military works upon 
that subject. I, however, in several verbal communications Avith General 
Meade, insisted upon the other method; and it was finally decided that we 
should place in the mine eight thousand pounds of powder, instead of twelve 
thousand pounds. The ground that I took was this : that the depth of the 
mine, or rather the bottom of the chambers, was fixed; the greater the explo- 
sion, the greater the crater-radius, and less inclination would be given the sides 
of the crater, and the greater breach on the right and left of the charges would 
be made, thereby giving a greater space for the troops to pass over, and a less 
inclination for them to pass up and down in the line. It was, however, de- 
termined that eight thousand pounds of powder should be put in, instead of 
twelve, and the mine was accordingly exploded with that charge. The decision 
in reference to the charge to be placed in the mine was given in ample time to 
let me make arrangements for that amount of powder. 

The general facts and movements connected with this army, for the first 
three or four days previous to the fight, are so well known to the court that I 
will not delay them by any statement as to my correspondence and personal 
intercourse, or anything of that nature, up to Thursday before the fight. 

On that day (Thursday, two days before the fight) I went to General 
Meade's headquarters. He spoke to me in this way : 

" I have received information that it is impossible for General Hancock to 
advance beyond his present position ; he has succeeded in inflicting upon the 
enemy a severe punishment, and captured some four pieces of cannon, but is 
not able to advance beyond that point;" (or, at any rate, it was decided that he 
should not advance beyond that point.) "A large force of the enemy from this 
position has been attracted to that side of the river by this movement of Gen- 
eral Hancock, and General Grant desires that an attack should be made he^e." 
(I think he made that last remark, but I will not be positive; he either said 
that General Grant desired, or he, himself, desired that an attack should be 
made.) He asked how long it would take to charge the mine. There was some 
correspondence before and after that time — I do not know if it is in your pro- 
ceedings or not — in reference to the time necessary to charge the mine. I think 
it very likely that General Meade has placed all the documents before you. 
Previous to this he had written to me to present my project for this movement, 
which \% now before you. During this conversation, on Thursday, he said to 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBUKG. 159 

me: "1 caunot approve of your placing tlie negro troops in tlie advance, as 
proposed in your project." I asked him why. He said: "Because I do not 
think they should be called upon to do as important a work as that which you 
propose to do, certainly not called upon to lead," or words to that eflPect. I, in 
a considerable conversation, urged upon General Meade the necessity for placing 
General Ferrcro's division in the advance. I stated to him that the three white 
divisions had been on the advance line, and under fire from the moment of the 
establishment of the line, on the ISth or 19th of June, until that time; that 
they were very much wearied, had contracted a habit of covering themselves 
by every method within their reach, and that I was satisfied they Avere not in a 
condition to make anything like as much of a dash upon the enemy's line as ' 
General Ferrcro's division, which had not been under any considerable fire . 
from the time of its arrival at this place to that moment. I told him I con- 
sidered my troops to be as good as they ever were, with the exception of this 
weariness, and the habit — which had almost become a second nature — of pro- 
tecting themselves from the fire of the enemy. In fact, upon this subject I was 
very, very urgent. 

1 will here present to the court some of the reasons for forming this opinion, 
which reasons were presented to General Meade. Take an intermediate date, 
say the 20th of July, and there were, for duty, nine thousand and twenty-three 
(9,023) muskets in the three old divisions of the ninth corps, which occupied 
the line. From the 20th of June, which was after the fight at this place, to 
the day before the fight on the 30th day of July, these divisions lost as fol- 
lows : 

Killed, 12 ofiicers, 231 men; wounded, 44 officers, 851 men; missing, 13 
men, making a total of 1,150 men ; which is over twelve (12) per cent, of the 
■command, without a single assault on the part of the enemy, or of our own 
troops. These casualties were caused from picket firing and shell firing, and 
extended pretty evenly over the Avhole line. I think that the Avhole of General 
Wilcox's division Avas on the line for thirty days, or more, without relief. Gen- 
eral Potter's and General Ledlie's divisions had some small reliefs, enabling 
those gentlemen to draw some of their men off" at intervals, for tvi'o or three days 
at a time, at certain intervals during this period. 

A conaidei-able portion of our line was so situated as to render it impossible to 
keep pickets to the front of them. It was, in fact, situated very much as a por- 
tion of the line occupied by the second corps, at Coal Harbor. As I stated 
before, I stated these facts to General Meade, except that I will not say that I 
gave him these exact figures ; but the full substance of what I have stated here 
Avas given to him, together Avith the statement of the loss of officers and men, 
and the way in which the losses occurred. And, in fact, statements Avere made 
regularly to General Meade, so that these facts were in his possession, but were 
not made with the same particularity to him as I have made them here. 

The ninth corps also lost in the tight of the 17th and 18th of Juno 2,903 
men, and in the action of the 30th of July 3,828. i 

The following are the figures, more in detail : 

June 17 and 18— killed, 29 officers, 348 men ; Avounded, 106 officers, 1,851 
men; missing, 15 officers, 554 men. Total, 2,903. 

July 30 — killed, 52 officers, 376 men ; Avoundcd, 105 officers, 1,556 men ; 
missing, 87 officers, 1,652 men. Total, 3,828. 

General Meade said to me that he Avas going to see General Grant, and would 
submit the question to him as to Avhether the colored troops Avould be allowed 
to take the advance or not. This, as I said, was on Thursday— 1 think in the 
forenoon. He said to me that he would start at one o'clock, and would return 
that evening. 

I parted with him, and on the next morning, not having heard anythingfrom 
General Meade, andknoAving, from information that I had received, that ho had 



160 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

returned from City Point during the evening, I imagined that no further action 
was to be taken in the matter, and that I Avas to be allowed to place the fourth 
division in tlie advance. 

On Friday forenoon General Wilcox and General Potter, two of my division 
commanders, came to my headquarters, and Ave talked over the matter of the 
fight which was to take place on Saturday morning. I said to one or both of 
them to this effect : that I had been very much worried and troubled the day 
before lest General Meade Avould overrule that part of my plan which contem- 
plated the putting in of the colored troops ; but that I hoped nothing further 
would be heard from it, because General Meade had gone to City Point the 
day before, and the matter was to be referred to General Grant ; and that inas- 
much as I had not heard from General Meade, I took it for granted that he had 
decided to alloAv the thing to remain as it Avas. This I must necessarily give 
in substance, because my couA^ersations Avith my division commanders are not 
guarded. They can be called upon themselves to state Avhat they knoAV about 
the matter. 

Soon after that, say 'eleven o'clock. Generals Meade and Ord came to my 
headquarters. I am under the impression that I broached the subject myself 
as to the colored division taking the advance, but Avhether I did or not, he in- 
formed me that General Giant coincided with him in opinion, and it was decided 
that I could not put that division in advance. I felt, and I suppose I expressed, 
and showed, very great disappointment at this announcement; and finally, in 
the conversation Avhicli occurred, and to which there are tAvo witnesses here 
present, I asked General Meade if that decision could not be changed. He 
said : " No, general, it cannot ; it is final, and you must put in your Avhite 
troops." No doubt in the conversation I ga\'e some of the reasons for not 
wishing to put the Avhite troops in that I had given at his headquarters, but of 
that I am not certain. 

This Avas the day before the fight. I said to General Meade that that would 
necessarily change my plan. Now, this conversation either occurred at that 
time, or it occurred at a later hour in the day, say one or tAvo o'clock, when 
General Meade returned to my headquarters ; because he Avent off Avith General 
Ord for an hour or tAvo, say, and returned to my headquarters. It is not im- 
possible that this conversation occurred in the afternoon, instead of in the fore- 
noon of the 29th. 

After some conversation Avith Generals Wilcox and Potter as to which troops 
should take the advance, one of them remarked to me that I had better send for 
General Ledlie, and Ave Avould talk the matter over as to Avhich one of the divi- 
sions should take the advance. I sent for General Ledlie, and after some dis- 
cussion of the matter, I decided that, taking everything into consideration, it 
should be but fair that these gentlemen should east lots for the advance. Gen- 
eral Wilcox was probably better situated as to position for the advance, as his 
troops then were, than either of the other divisions, certainly than General 
Ledlie; bilt his troops, as I stated before, had been constantly on the line, Avith 
the exception of an intermission of a day or tAvo, Avhich rendered it, if anything, 
desirable that General Ledlie's troops should lead instead of his. Genera) Pot- 
ter's troops had been, next to General Wilcox's, more constantly on the line, 
and I think he was, next to him, better situated for the advance ; but, as I have 
indicated by previous remarks. General Ledlie's division Avas less fatigued, and 
in my opinion it Avas more just to call upon them to make the charge, and they 
had fought as gallantly as troops could fight on the 17th. and I therefore did 
not hesitate to call upon them in consequence of any lack of faith in their 
courage. 

So I said, "It will be fair to cast lots," and so th y did cast lots, and Gen- 
eral Ledlie drcAv the advance. He at once left my headquartei'S in a very 
cheerful mood to make his arrangements for the advance, as no time could be 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 161 

lost in making the necessary arrangoments, as it was then certainly three o'clock 
in the afternoon, and the assault was to be made next morning. 

I directed him to take his brigade commanders and go to the front with Col- 
onel Loring, my inspector general, who was entirely conversant with the ground, 
and I indicated to Colonel Lorirg about the position I desired General Ledlie 
to take, and I also stated verbally to General Wilcox and General Potter about 
the positions 1 desired them to take with their division ; and the ground being 
familiar to all of us, enabled us to talk very understandingly and easily upon 
the subject. General Potter expressed some doubt as to finding room enough on 
the right of the covered way to place his troops, of which I was in doubt my- 
self, the general instructions being for General Potter to mass all his troops, if 
possible, on the right of his covered way, General Wilcox to occupy his covered 
way and such portions of the railroad cut as was necessary, and room to be 
found between the two for General Ledlie, who had the assaulting column. At 
all events, there was, as far as I know, a distinct understanding between myself 
and my division commanders as to the positions to be occupied by the troops. 
Not that they did finally occupy exactly the positions which I indicated to them, 
because some of them were immaterially modified by correspondence, I think, 
between Generals Wilcox, Potter, and myself. It is sufficient to say that Gen- 
eral Lcdlie's troops were massed in about the same position as I had desired to 
mass General Ferrero. The arrangement which General Meade objected to, of 
sending troops down to the right and left to clear the way, was dispensed with; 
it having been understood before that that was a part of the plan or of the 
arrangement?, the plan was made to accord with General Meade's views ; in 
other words, in consequence of his objection, I did not give any instructions 
for troops to pass down to the right and left, but to make at once for the crest. 

The commanding general had been urgent in his views, that in order to carry 
the crest — that is, Cemetery hill — a dash must be made at it without refer- 
ence to formation; that there would be no time for manoiuvring; that if we 
attempted to handle the troops as proposed in my plan, he was satisfied it would 
be a failure. If I mistake not, the amount of these views was expressed be- 
fore General Potter and General Wilcox. Generals Meade and Ord called at my 
headquarters and had a conversation there in reference to my plans. General 
Ord went with General Meade to our signal station, and General Ord took a 
look at the position of the enemy. After returning to my headquarters, Gen- 
eral Ord said he would send stafi' officers to me to report, in order that they also 
might reconnoitre the ground and pick out positions for troops. Instead of 
staff officers coming, I think that in almost every instance the general officers of 
General Ord's corps came themselves. I gave them facilities for reconnoitiiug 
the position of the enemy, and also gave them instructions as to where these 
troops were to mass in rear of our lines. I received General Meade's order, 
which is on your record. I sent him a copy of my order, which I have not here 
at present, but which I will procure and present at the end of my evidence. 
There were some details into which I did not enter in this order, in consequence 
of the verbal understanding which existed between myself and my division 
commanders; that fact, I believe, being noted in the order. 

During that night our troops were concentrated in accordance with those 
orders, ready for the attack; and General Ord's troops Avere also concentrated as 
nearly as possible in accordance with my understanding with his officers. Dur- 
ing the night some changes were necessarily made in the positions of General 
Ord's troops — changes which are always consequent upon the movement of as 
large a body of men as a corps in the night; but every efibrt, in my opinion, 
was made by his officers, and also by my own, to carry out to the letter the in- 
structions given by General Meade and by myself. Inasmuch as you will have 
an opportunity of examining both of these orders at your leisure, it will not be 
necessary for me to enter into the details as to the muvements that were directed. 
Kep. Com. 114—11 



162 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

The action was to commence with tlie explosion of the mine, which was 
ordered to take place at half past three o'clock. It may not be amiss to state 
here that the mine had been ready charged since the 23d. General Potter was 
ordered to see that Colonel Pleasants exploded the mine at the time indicated by 
General Meade. 

My order for the movement of the 30th stated that 1 would make my head- 
quarters at the fourteen-gun battery, Avhich is not far from the centre of the 
line occupied by the 9th corps. Just before leaving my permanent headquar- 
ters, say at two o'clock in the morning, there came from General Meade a de- 
spatch stating that if I desired to delay the time for the explosion of the mine 
in consequence of the darkness, I could do so. 1 telegraphed him back that the 
mine would be exploded at the hour designated. I went to the place designated 
as my headquarters at the proper time, and, like every one else, awaited with 
great anxiety the explosion of the mine. I need not say to this court that my 
anxiety on the occasion was extreme, particularly as I did not know the reason 
of the delay. I waited for several minutes, and thinking that there was some 
miscalculation as to the time it would take the fuse to burn up to the charge, 
I sent an aide-de-camp to find out what was the reason of the delay. 
Soon after that I sent a second aide-de-camp. Soon after that time Major 
Van Buren arrived at my headquarters and told me the cause of the delay. In 
the mean time Captain Sanders, I think, or some other one of General Meade's 
staff, came to my headquarters to know the reason. I said to him that 
I had sent to ascertain the reason ; that I could not tell him then. Another 
despatch, either written or verbal, came to know the reason, and I sent word 
again that I did not know the reason, but as soon as I could ascertain it I would 
give the general the reason. I then got another despatch from General Meade, 
that if the mine had failed I must make a charge independent of the explosion 
of the mine. Having almost made up my own mind that the mine had failed, 
or that something had occurred which we could not discover during that morn- 
ing, and feeling the absolute necessity, as General Meade expressed in his de- 
spatch, of doing something very quickly, I was on the eve of sending an order 
for the command to be ready to move forward, as directed by General Meade; 
but I said again, "I Avill delay, to ascertain what is the reason of the non-explo- 
sion of the mine." 

1 had nothing that I could report up to the time that Major Van Buren came 
to my headquarters. I gave to those aids freely the statement that I did not 
know the reason of the non-explosion of the mine, but that as soon as I learnt 
it I would inform the commanding general. As I before stated, Major Van 
Buren came to my headquarters and told me that the fuze had gone* out, and 
that a gallant soldier named Sergeant Reese, of the 48th Penn.sylvania, had 
volunteered to go into the gallery to ascertain whether the fuze was really burn- 
ing still and burning slowly, or whether it had failed. He discovered that it 
had failed, and refired it ; and Major Van Buren further said that General Potter 
told him that the mine was to explode at a certain minute. This was, I think, 
within eleven minutes of the time of the explosion. I am not sure that I did 
not receive a similar message from an aide-de-camp to General Potter. I think 
I did. 

Within one minute of the time designated by Major Van Buren — and it was a 
fact which was cognizant to every one — I was not Avith the advance column of 
troops that was to make the charge. I understand that there was considerable 
anxiety among the men, after and before the explosion, as to the effect it might 
have, upon them, and I have been inform( d by Colonel Loriiig, my inspector 
general, (who may be called before this court,) who Avas with the column, that it 
took probably five minutes to get the men in perlect condition to dash forward. 
After their ranks were re-established, they went forward, as far as I could see 
or know, or hear, in the most gallant posr^ible style, until they arrived within 



EXPLOSION OP THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 1G3 

the crater. Here, owing to the inequalities of the ground, and possibly other 
reasons, which will be matters of investigation in this court, there was a 
pause, the men to a considerable extent disorganized, and it was so reported to 
me. I will state here, though, that I have not been able to make up my mind 
that any set of troops of this army, or any other army, that had gone through 
the labor that these troops had gone through for the last thirty days, could be 
made to do better than they did upon that occasion. 

I saw with me there, at my headquarters, Captain Sanders. I think I 
remarked to him that I was glad he was to be with me on that day, as he had 
been with me during the fight on the ISth, and had been the means of com- 
munication between General Meade and myself; and I was very much ])leased 
that he was present with me on that morning, and I think I so expressed myself. 
At all events, my impression was — he did not tell me so — that he was to remain 
with me during the morning. The despatches I received from General Meade, 
which I hope the com-t will examine carefully, bore the marks of very great 
anxiety — such as I was at the time feeling — to learn the information Avhich I 
was about the same time endeavoring to learn, and at the same time unable to 
give him ; and I so stated to his aides-de-camp. I, of course, was glad that no 
movement was made by me (as General Meade must be) in accordance with the 
order to attack in case the mine had failed. 

From that time until the time that the troops Avere withdrawn I endeavored 
to give at all important points — I do not mean in minutiaj — to General Meade 
by telegraph, and to Captain Sanders by word, all the information of which I 
was possessed. I, of course, was in a position in which I could examine the 
movements of the troops. For half an hour at a time I would be away from 
my headquarters. I went with General Warren once down the covered way to 
the front. The covered way was full of troops, and there was no way of going 
on horseback or of carrying any number of staff officers ; and from the positions 
we were to reconnoitre, it would not have been advisable to carry any number 
of officers to that point. The despatches that I sent to General Meade are, I 
think, on record ; and I think, if carefully examined without reference to the 
numerous despatches I received from him, it will be ascertained that at every 
important epoch correct and definite information was sent to him, either by 
Captain Sanders ormyself, up to the receipt of a despatch which was misunder- 
stood by me, and which appears upon your record, and bears the positive 
certainty of insubordination, for which I must be responsible and must neces- 
sarily suffer. I will state the circumstances under which the despatch was given 
me. It was handed to me by Captain Jay, who came up to me and said, 
" General Meade desires me to say that this is for you personally," or words to 
that efiect, no doubt meaning that it was for my personal attention. I misunder- 
stood the tenor of it, no doubt ; read it and put in my answer, which is also on 
record before you. 

The orders that I gave from time to time to my division commanders were 
principally verbal orders given through my aides-de-camp. I had with each 
division a responsible aide-de-camp, who was in constant communication with 
me, and, if I mistake not, I did not receive from Generals Ferrero or Ledlie a 
single written despatch, and but one or two each from Generals Potter and 
Wilcox; but at the same time, I received verbally frequent information of all 
that was going on in order to enable me to direct the movements of my troops. 
After giving orders for all the white troops to be shoved in, and sending 
additional orders forward, which were also reiterated by division commanders, for 
the troops to advance and move upon the crest in accordance with the under- 
standing and plan of the night before, which were plain and distinct, I received 
from General Meade an order to put in my whole force and move for the crest 
at once. I had not done this because I was satisfied that there was very great 



164 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

difficulty attending the formation of the troops in the crater, in consequence of 
tlie great number there. 

I have since learned that considerable progress had been made in the forma- 
tion at that time; indeed, the troops were progressing to the right and left, and, 
to my knowledge, had driven the enemy ; General Potter to tire right, and Gene- 
ral Wilcox to the left. 

A despatch, which was intended for me, from Colonel Loring, went to my old 
headquarters, and Avas read by General Meade. I was cognizant of that fact, 
and 1 knew that General Meade was aware of the circumstances which sur- 
rounded the troops at that place, because General Meade sent an orderly with 
a message stating that he had read the despatch himself. It was thertfore not 
necessary for me to re-communicate the information 1 had received from Colonel 
Loring. After my three divisions had been put into the position they occupied 
in the works, I hesitated to put in this colored division. 

I remember having told General Meade that in case the colored division 
should falter in the advance, I did not think it would affect our old white di- 
visions — certainly as to holding their position; that if the white divisions were 
to falter in the advance, it would bo impossible to get the black division to pass 
them. I am not sure but I told him this the very day before the battle, in my 
tent. I received from General Meade an order to put in my whole force, which 
I did. I sent an order to General Ferrero to go to the top of the crest with his 
division. One of my aids was there at the time, Colonel Loring, and took the 
responsibility of saying that that should be stopped, because he was satisfied 
that I had not received his despatch. He came to me, and I said my orders 
were peremptory to put in my whole command, and he himself told General 
Ferrero to put in his division at once, and go to the top of the crest if possible. 
The colored division was put in, and from what I can learn, no officers or men 
behaved with greater gallantry than, they did. After passing the white troops 
and attempting something like a formation they were driven back liy the ( nemy, 
and driven through the white troops, tlie white troops, or the principal portion 
of them, still maintaining their position, fighting as gallantly as three divisions 
ever fought. 

I witnessed this repulse myself, and at the same time saw that the enemy 
had been repulsed by our own M'hite troops, the black troops coming to the rear 
to a very considerable extent. 

There is one point to which I wish to call the attention of the court. I sent 
to General Meade a despatch at 6. 20, stating that if General Warren's reserve 
force could be concentrated at that time, I thought it would be well, or some- 
thing to that effect, and I would designate to him when that force should be 
put in. To that despatch you have the answer. 

Not far from that time General Warren came himself to my headquarters, if 
not exactly at that time. I then said to him, " General, let us look at this po- 
sition," having in view answering the question which General Meade desired 
me to answer. General Warren and I went down to the front, leaving my head- 
quarters, and going down a covered way until we got to a position on the left- 
hand side of General Potter's covered way beyond. We got on a mound of 
earth, and reconnoitred the enemy's position until we were satisfied. I said 
to General Warren, "I think your plan would be to strike across by the fort 
which enfiladed our line," or something to that efiect. At any rate, whatever 
opinion I expressed to General Warren, it is sufficient to say that he told me 
that he should go back and explain to General Meade the circumstances, and, 
if possible, to get him to come to the front and look for himself. That of course 
satisfied me with reference to that point of General Meade's inquiry. 

Although th.s narrative is very disconnected, I believe I have stated in it all 
the material points. 

I do not know of a single order of mine that was not carried out by my di- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 165 

visiou commanders. I do not know of any lack of energy on their part in 
carrying out my views, and the views of the commanding general, except, pos- 
sibly, in the case of General Ledlie, who was quite sick on that day, and who, 
I thought afterwards, ought to have gone to the crater the moment his men were 
in. But I understood that he was very sick, and could hardly have walked 
that far under the oppressive heat. He was within one hundred and twenty 
(120) yards of his brigades, I should say. 

Between half past nine and ten o'clock I received two despatches from Gene- 
ral Meade with reference to Avithdrawal. They are marked numbers 12 and 15 
in the record before you. I was very much concerned in reference to the mat- 
ter, because, although we had met with some reverses, I could not help feeling 
myself that we could hold the position which we occupied, if Ave could not gain 
more ground. In fact I was under the impression at the time that we were 
gaining ground in the direction of the enemy's rifle pits to the right and left, 
and I felt that if troops were put in on our left flank, that then Ave Avould have 
been enabled to establish ourselves on the enemy's line, Avhich, of course, would 
have made our position secure. However, that is simply a matter of opinion, 
upon Avhich the commanding general had todecide. lalsofeltthatif wecould gain 
no more ground, we could run out lines at an angle to the crater, and establish 
a salient upon the enemy's lines, which would be of material advantage to us in 
future operations, particularly in making him A'acate that part of the lineAvliich 
is now opposite my front, and in fact, as I had not given up all hopes of carry- 
ing the crest even, if a positive and decided effort were made by all the troops. 
But feeling disinclined to withdraAV the troops, I got on my horse and rode over 
to General Meade's headquarters, Avhich v/ere at my permanent headquarters. 
He and General Grant Avere there together. General Ord and 1 entered the 
tent, and General Meade questioned General Ord as to the practicability of his 
troops being AvithdraAvn. I made the remark that none of General Ord's troops 
Avere in the enemy's line, and he Avould have no trouble in withdraAving ; that 
none but the troops of the ninth corps were in the line, and I thought that my 
opinion on that subject Avould probably be a proper one to be received, and I 
stated that I did not think that Ave had fought long enough that day ; that I 
felt that the crest could still be carried if a decided effort Avere made to carry it. 
To that I received the reply that the order Avas final, or something to that effect. 

General Meade, in his evidence, states that I gave no reasons why 1 thought 
the crest could be carried; and it Avill not be amiss for me to say that no reasons 
were asked, and that he simply stated that the order Avas final. I was then 
satisfied that the best time to withdraw those troops Avould be after nightfall ; 
that it Avould be best to retain possession of the place till after nightfall. I 
thought, from reports Avhich I had received from my aides-de-camp and division 
commanders, that Ave could then Avithdraw the troops. I had myself Avitnessed 
a very handsome repulse of the enemy by our troops just before leaving to go 
to General Meade's headquarters. 

[At this point the court took a recess. After recess. General Burnside resumed 
his testimony, saying :] 

I will supply one or two omissions in this disjointed narrative now. Some 
time before I received the order from General Meade to put in my Avhole force, 
I received a verbal message from General Wilcox, by one of his aids. Captain 
Brackett, that it Avas useless to send more troops up that line at that point ; 
that all the troops Avere there that could be handled or could be used, or words 
to that effect ; and that an immediate attack should be made, both upon our 
right and left. That is as far as I can remember of the message. I am under 
the impression I immediately transmitted this message to General Meade, either 
by a staff oflicer of my own, or by one of his. I also said that, in several con- 
versations with General Meade, I stated to him that I Avas satisfied that the 
explosion of the mine in our front, and the advance of our troops, Avould enable 



166 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

a strong skirmish line to carry everything on the left. I am of the impression 
that I expressed that opinion to General Meade the day before the fight, iu the 
presence of General Potter and General Wilcox. I know that I expressed it 
to him half a dozen times. After it had been decided by General Meade, 
finally, that the troops were to be withdrawn, I was necessarily very much 
exercised as to the best method of withdrawal. I had directed General White, 
who was acting on that day as chief of staff, to remain on the line until he 
heard from me, and that I would send him the result of my interview with 
General Meade. I wish to read here the despatch I sent him, and the accom- 
panying note written by General White : 

United States Military Telegraph, 
Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, July 30, 1864. 
I have no discretion in the matter. The order is peremptory to withdraw 
It may be best to intrench where we are for the present ; but we must with- 
draw as soon as ])racticable and prudent. 

A. E. BUHNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Brigadier General White, 

Chief of Staff. 

Division commanders will instruct in accordance with the within despatch; 
the officers on the line to consult and determine the time of evacuation. 
By order of Major General Burnside : 

J. WHITE, 
Brigadier General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

EDW^ARD M. NIEL, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

I sent for my division commanders after sending that despatch. Feeling con- 
fident, from the reports I had received, that our people would be able to hold 
the position which they then occupied, un!il night certainly, and feeling that, 
if they were not, one time for evacuation was about as good as another, I thought 
it best to have a perfect understanding as to the method of withdrawal. Thej 
came to my headquarters, and it was decided that we should dig a trench or 
trenches from our main line to the crater, and thereby enable them to withdraw 
without serious loss. It will be remembered that this distance is but a little 
over one hundred yards, and taking into consideration the radius of the crater, 
it is probably less than that distance. General Wilcox had already given in- 
structions, as lie informed me, and as I know, to dig a trench connecting our 
advance line with the crater, and I am not sure that the other division com- 
manders had not commenced like operations. I remember the fact being stated, 
at the conversation at my headquarters, that the work was going on ; and that 
was decided upon as the best method of withdrawal. The despatch which I 
sent to General White, and which I have just handed to the court, was received 
by him in time to be read by two of the division commanders before they left 
the front for my headquarters, and was forwarded by them to the general 
officers in the crater. 

One of those general officers was taken prisoner, and the other two are avail- 
able as M'itnesses before this court. Their names are Generals Hartrauft and 
Griffin. As to the eftect of this despatch, I will leave it for the persons present 
to give evidence of, particularly as an important despatch from myself to 
General Meade, here, contains my opinion of it. 

Adjourned till August 11. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 167 



FIbTH DAY. 

CoDRT Room, Headquarters Second Corps, 

August 11, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to arljournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayrea and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 4th day were read (General Burnside's testimony 
first) and approved, after various corrections by General Burnside. 
Generals Ferrero, Wilcox, and Potter were present also. 

General Burnside's testimony continued : 

In concluding my testimony, I simply desire to call the attention of the court 
to the fact that important evidence before them would indicate that I had not 
given proper inform;ition of what was going on in my front during the action on 
the 30th, and to say to them that, up to the time the mine was exploded, there 
was nothing pos.-jible for me to report, because I could not answer questions 
which General Meade propounded to me by one or two different despatches, 
except by saying that I did not know the reason for the delay, and as soon as 
I learnt it I would inform him of it, which I think I did by verbal communica- 
tions, either by Captain Sanders or Captain Jay. As soon as I ascertained the 
cause of the delay, I requested Major Van Buren, who informed me of it, to 
state to Captain Jay, fully, the causes, and he will be able to state to you 
whether he did so or not. 

The explosion of the mine, as I before said, was a fact evident to every one 
along the line, and each and every command there had its orders to do a certain 
work, which were so explicit as to enable them to move at once to that work : 
first, orders to corps commanders under General Meade ; next, orders from corps 
commanders to their division commanders, and so on. 

I reported to General Meade by despatch when we made a breach in the ene- 
my's works, as will be seen by your record. I also reported to him soon after, 
in answer to probably frequent anxious despatches, that we were endeavoring to 
advance — that it was hard work, but that we hoped to succeed ; which was the 
full extent of the knowledge then in my possession, and all that I could learn 
from personal observation of the contest in the neighborhood of the breach. 
Soon after he received the report of my inspector general, stating the condition 
of the troops in the crater, and in the rifle-pits to the right and left of it. This 
report was intended for me, but was opened by General Meade and sent to me 
by him. The obligation resting upon me to send him a copy was therefore re- 
moved, inasmuch as I knew that he had already seen its contents, from his own 
statement. I reported to him a short time after that, or just before, that I thought 
it was the proper time to concentrate General Warren's troops, and that I would 
indicate to him the time when I thought they ought to go in, for there was 
hardly room at that time for them to go in on our front. I received an answer 
from him stating the object of his despatch, and that he desired to know if it was 
practicable for General Warren's force to be put in upon our left. At about 
that time, certainly before I could determine the fact, 1 came into contact with 
General Warren personally at my headquarters, and he and I made the per- 
sonal reconnoissancc that has been bef ne alluded to. I parted with General 
Warren with the di.<tinct understanding that he was to report to General Meade 
\he condition of affairs in his front, and, as I before said, with the statement that 
he would endeavor to get General Meade to come to the front himself, which I 
considered to be sufiicient answer to General Meade's despatch, particularly as 



168 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOKE PETERSBURG. 

Genera! Warren went directly from me to the telegraph office. It is possible 
that in this I made a mistake. 

At another juncture I reported to him that I thought that was the time for 
General Warren to be put in promptly. Soon after that time, and before it 
would have been possible for me to have sent any other intelligent report, I re- 
ceived orders to withdraw the troops to our own intrenchments. 

During the engagement General Meade also received from Captain Sanders, 
his aide-de-camp, who was at my headquarters, certainly three written despatches 
and one verbal despatch, which he acknowledges, independent of the verbal 
despatch which I speak of giving to him before the explosion of the mine. I 
desire to say that Captain Sanders was near me constantly; knows that I never 
failed to- give an aide-de-camp, situated as he is, every possible information; 
heard all my conversations with my aides-de-camp, and I think had free access 
to every despatch and report that reached me from the front or from my division 
commanders. I learned personally, in presence of General Humphrey's chief of 
staff of the army of the Potomac, that that was the understanding of Captain 
Sanders. 

There were some papers which I desired to have removed from the record of this 
court in consequence of certain conditions which surrounded them, and which this 
court has made a very proper decision upon ; but as they form a portion of the re- 
cord, it becomes necessary for me also to state some of the circumstances which 
surroimd one of these papers, which was a despatch sent by me to General Meade 
containing an objectionable remark, which will be recognized on the record by 
all the members of the court. In conversation with two mutual friends of 
General Meade and myself, I became satisfied that I had misunderstood the note 
which he had sent me from the front on that morning. I obtained permission 
to go to City Point to see General Grant, and I stated to him the circumstances 
of the case, among other things upon which we conversed. I left him with the 
understanding that I should return and withdraw the letter which I had written 
to General Meade. General W ilson, of the cavalry, was present at this interview. 
I returned to my headquarters and found upon my table charges preferred 
against me, and a request that I should be relieved from command in this army, 
against neither of which have I any complaint to make, but simply make this 
explanation to remove any responsibility from the shoulders of General Meade 
which might possibly attach to the letter which he wrote to me, and which I 
imagined at the time indicated a belief on his part that I was not disposed to tell 
him the truth on the day of the action. 

When I went to my headquarters at my permanent camp and learned from 
General Meade himself that the order to withdraw was final, I at the same 
time learned that offensive operations had ceased on both the flanks of the line 
■which we had occupied, and to which we were ordered to withdraw. 

I have stated to the court, as well as I knew how, the means taken by me to 
effect that withdrawal .securely, with one exception, I think, which is that I 
started General Ferrero off at once with definite instructions to put all the force 
that he could get to work to dig a trench or trenches from our old line to the 
crater, in order that our men might come out, and that he started off on the mo- 
ment. What followed that will no doubt be inquired into by the court. 

Soon after I learned that offensive operations were to cease on our flanks, it 
became evident that all the operations of this corps were to be independent. 
General Meade left my headquarters, making no request of me for information. 
I received no despatch from him until the evening of the day after which the 
troops were driven out of the crater, and to a certain extent were re-established 
in our own lines. The negligence on my part to report after that time I will 
not attempt to justify myself for, by any reasons, before this court, inasmuch as 
it will probably become the subject of charges pertaining^ to things that took 
place long after the troops had come inside of our own lines. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 169 

I should not dwell so fully upon my rule of conduct in matters of this kind, 
but for the fact that matters of a like nature have been elaborated upon in evi- 
dence which now lies before this court. I can readily conceive General Meade's 
anxiety, which would induce him to write frequent despatches ; but in my rule of 
conduct with my officers I have rather cultivated the idea that frequent de- 
spatches, unless they are well authenticated, are not desirable — particularly de- 
spatches with reference to the condition of the troops and calls for re-enforcements. 
I endeavored during my movements on that day to obey every order that 
was given to me. I put every single man of the 9th corps in action. I was 
not called upon to fight a field fight. There was no opportunity to manoeuvre 
troops. There was no discretion about looking out for flanks beyond that 
which fell upon commanders managing their troops in action ; there was simply 
an obligation on my part to rush these troops through the crater and gain the 
top of the crest, without reference to formation ; and I put three divisions on 
as promptly as I knew how. And when I received the order to put my whole , 
force in, I threw the fourth division in, with the most positive and distinct or- 
ders to my division commanders, given in the evidence before this court. I had 
no possible chance to push batteries forward to ptotect the flanks, or of moving 
troops forward to protect them ; I simply had to gain the crest. I obeyed every 
order to the best of my ability, and did everything that I could do to place my 
troops in that position. 

I have not elaborated as much as to the features of the ground in my front at 
the mine as I might have done, and I will not delay the court Avith it now. I 
will endeavor to m.ake that as distinct as possible in my official report, which 
will probably be prepared by to-morrow morning, and will probably be laid before 
this court, together with the reports of the division and brigade commanders of 
my command. 

I desire now to insert certain papers here, which relate to the evidence that 
I have given before you. The battle-order of General Meade is already before 
you. The document I now hand you is the circular containing the battle-order 
to my corps — (Document 60.) I sent a copy of this to General Ord, General 
Warren, and to the headquarters of the army, and I should have sent a copy 
to General Hancock had he been here at that time. 

I present now the order for the siege, dated July 9, directing operations 
on this line, and desire to state, as the reason for presenting it, that the works 
on my front had been conducted with the understanding that there would be 
an attempt made to capture the position of the enemy by military operations, 
conducted under the chief engineer of this army and the chief of artillery, to- 
gether with the corps commanders. — (Document 61.) ^ i nr i 

I now desire to present a copy of a correspondence between General Meade 
and myself early in July. The first is an answer of mine to a circular sent to 
corps commanders with a view to ascertaining what were the chances of the suc- 
cess of an assault in their fronts, and is as follows.— (Document 62.) 

I beg to say here that this is specifically an answer in reference to an assault 
in my front, which was the only opinion I was required to give. The second 
document is General Meade's answer to my letter, and is as follows :— (Docu- 
ment 63.) My reason for stating that my answer to General Meade was semi- 
official, and that the whole correspondence was of that nature was the fact that 
it is marked at the top " confidential." The despatches sent by General Meade 
to me were marked likewise, but in this copy that is omitted. The envelopes, 
at least, were marked " confidential."— (Document 64.) 
Questions by the judge advocate : 

Question. Were you in a position to see all the operations of the assault be- 
fore Petersburg, or how much of them l .• i f ,i ^ 
Answer. I was in a position, at diff-erent times, to see every particle of the 



170 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

assault before Petersburg — at one time in one position, at another in another. 
Not that 1 desire to convey the imp'-ession that I was all the time looking to 
the front ; but that, at proper intervals of time, I could see all that was desira- 
ble to see. 

Question. What was the distance from the fourteen-giin battery to the crater! 

Answer. I should say six hundred or sis hundred and fifty yards. I wish 
to state that, whilst at my headquarters, in order to get a look at what was 
going on on certain portions of the front, we placed ourselves upon the maga- 
zine of the fort, or upon the high ground just in rear of the fort, or upon the 
high ground just to the right or left of the fort. I was, however, frequently to 
a considerable extent in advance of the fort, as was the case when General VVar- 
ren and myself made our reconnoissance ; and I also visited a commanding po- 
sition on the opposite side of General Potter's covered way during the engage- 
ment, from which other parts of the line could be seen. The fort I refer to is 
the fourteen gun battery, which is established immediately in rear of the old brick 
wall and chimneys, and is essentially on our main line, say fifty yards to the 
rear. The advance line is about one hundred and fifteen yards from the crater ; 
the main line is about four hundred yards from that, and then the battery is a 
short distance, say fifty yards, in rear of the main line. But the position from 
which most of the movements could be seen was in advance of the main line, 
between the two lines. 

Question. What preparations were made for the pa.^^sage of the attacking 
columns from the breastworks, as directed by General Meade's order? 

Answer. All the preparations were directed to be made that were possible, 
such as removing abatis, and so forth, as directed by General Jleade's order; 
but it was not expected by any one that any considerable success could attend 
any Avork of that kind without serious loss to the command, and discovery on 
the part of the enemy. The abatis in front, which was the only serious ob- 
struction, was very much cut up by the enemy's fire, and did not present aa 
serious an obstacle to the movement of troops as it would be supposed by a 
person hearing that the abatis still remained in front of the line. 1 have never 
ascertained from any one that the troops were at all obstructed in passing over, 
and 1 am therefore free to say I made no special inquiry upon that subject. If 
I remember right, it is the first time it has occurred to me since the reading of 
General Meade's order; but I do remember that not much was expected to bo 
done, in view of our close proximity to the enemy. This refers to the front, 
over which the troops had to pass. I will state definitely that there was no 
expectation on my part that that portion of the order could be carried out with- 
out discovery, and without very great harm to the troops that would have to 
prepare this work, and in my order I placed no clause of that nature; but it 
was distinctly understood that the troops were to be provided with pioneer tools 
and other means of clearing away such obstructions as might be in the way — 
understood between myself and the division commanders. 

Question. Did you intend that the obstructions should not be removed until 
the pioneers advanced with the columns, or did you intend that they were to be 
removed by the division commanders the night before, and what division com- 
manders Mere charged with the execution of that order? 

Answer. I did not intend any of my division commanders to do any work in 
the way of removing obstructions on that night, because I did not expect that 
they could do it; and, besides, I was ordered to be relieved on the line by Gen- 
eral Ord's troops, and to concentrate my troops for the assault. But I will state 
again that there Avas an understanding between the division commanders and 
myself that anything that could be done in that direction would be done. I 
did not expect them to do anything; there was no order to that effect from me, 
unless it was contained in my verbal orders to the division commanders. My 
remarks now apply to work on the advance line, Avhere I did not suppose 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 171 

any work could be done without discovery by the enemy, in consequence of its 
close proximity to the enemy's line to the front of the main line. There, were 
covered ways cut both to General Wilcox's and to General Potter's front. 

Question. What time elapsed from the springing of the mine to the forward 
movenient of the assaulting columns, and how long was it before the crater was 
reached by the storming party ? 

Answer. At the risk of involving the same difference in time as in similar 
matters, I will state that it was about five minutes until the advance column 
moved forward, and say ten minutes before the leading column reached the 
crater. This delay occurred in consequence of the hesitation which has been 
already alluded to in my evidence, but not personally known to me, and it is 
not impossible that I may be mistaken as to the time. There was only one col- 
umn started to move to the crater, because the divisions were ordered to go in 
succession, the first division. General Ledlie commanding, leading, in conse- 
quence of the probability that a breach would not be made sufliciently broad in 
the enemy's line to admit more than one column, my intention up to the day of 
the attack being to make the assault by my plan, which you have before you. 

Question. To what did you attribute the halting of the troops in the crater 
instead of proceeding to the crest immediately as by the order? 

Answer. To the breaking up of the column in consequence of the inequality 
of the ground, and to the continual habit of the men for the last thirty or forty 
days of protecting themselves by almost every obstruction they came in con- 
tact with. 

Question. In what order and tactical formation were your divisions ordered 
to go in 1 

Answer. I ordered the division commanders to use their discretion in carry- 
ing their divisions in, giving them my general views on the subject, my gen- 
eral directions being to carry them in if possible in column by regiments ; but 
the regiments being so unequal — some being not more than one hundred strong, 
and some six or seven hundred — it was thought best for them to go in in such 
formation as to be able to deploy rapidly in two lines as soon as they gained 
the crest. General Ledlie taking the centre. General Potter taking the line per- 
pendicular to the main line of works, and General Wilcox the line parallel to 
the Jerusalem plank-road. 

Question. Were these movements of the divisions successive or simultaneous ? 

Answer. They were successive. 

Question. What was the interval between them? 

Answer. General Ledlie was to move first; General Wilcox was to follow 
General Ledlie as soon as possible after General Ledlie had cleared the breach ; 
then General Potter was to follow General Wilcox. As soon as I ascertained 
that General Ledlie had made a halt, I sent orders at once to General Wilcox 
and to General Potter to proceed, without reference to General Ledlie, in the 
order in which they had been directed to move. I ordered them to go in at 
once without reference to going through the breach, and proceed at once, as be- 
fore directed, without reference to General Ledlie, thinking that if they could 
find room to get through to the right and left, and could move forward, it would 
enable General Ledlie also to move forward with his troops. And, finally, 
General Ferrero was moved, upon the last order from General Meade to put m 
my Avhole force. I think that the troops were moved forward as rapidly aa 
they could be moved forward under the circumstances, and I know that thej 
did not pass by the flanks of General Ledlie to go to the crest; but it was in 
consequence of obstacles produced by the firing of the enemy and the rough 
ground in the crater of the enemy's works. But they did go to the right and 
left, driving away a considerable portion of the enemy from those lines, and 
made several distinct attempts to charge to the front. My own opinion is, that 
the principal obstacle was the presence of the enemy to our right and lett, 



172 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

which enabled them, the moment our troops attempted to advance to the top of 
the crest, to give them a fire in the rear. 

Question. For what distance on each side of the crater were the enemy's 
works abandoned immediately after the explosion of the mine ? 

Answer. I should say one hundred and fifty yards, or more, on each side. 

Question. To your pwn personal knowledge did any of your troops get be- 
yond the crater, and how far towards the crest 1 

Answer. As far as I coxild see, there were lines formed beyond the crater, and 
attempts made to charge, but the lines were repulsed; but to say how far, I 
would not be willing to express an opinion. 

Question. Can you tell how far it was from the crater to the crest? 

Answer. From the crater to the crest, I should say, was five hundred yards. 

Question. How long did your troops remain in the crater before the order 
Avas given to retire 1 

Answer. The order was given to retire, I think, about half past nine. When 
the order was given to retire, I went to General Meade's headquarters, con- 
sulted with him, ascertained that it was final, and decided that our best method 
of retiring was to hold the crater until dark, and then retire by trenches. 

(The question was repeated, and the witness -requested to give a more specific 
answer.) 

Question. How long did your troops remain in the crater before the order 
was given to retire ? 

Answer. They remained there until about two o'clock. I think the order 
reached them about 11.40. They remained there about four hours before the 
order was given to me to retire. 

'Question. Did Generals Wilcox's and Potter's divisions attack the crest, or did 
they proceed perpendicularly along the enemy's intrenchments to the right and 
to the left? 

Answer. The principal part of their mdvements was in that direction, with 
all possible directions to move to the front as fast as possible. 

Question. Had you authority to put in the supports, (of other corps,) or had 
any one else who was present and could see what was going on? 

Answer. Although I can designate no order upon which I had a right to put 
in supports, yet I am satisfied that any support which I called upon General 
Ord for would have been given me; and it is almost impossible that there was 
such an order. At all events, he expressed every willingness to givj me all the 
support possible, no matter what the movements of his troops were, and con- 
sulted freely with me, and asked me at what points I thought he ought to put 
his corps in. I told him I thought it could move off to our right, and make a 
very considerable diversion in our favor, or something to that effect, and he told 
me that lie had issued an order to that efiect. He spoke of the ground being 
broken in that direction, and wanted to know if I thought he could go over my 
Hues of works. I told him I thought he could ; that it is the same ground that 
Generals Wilcox and Potter fought over on the 18th, and that a portion of his 
column could move forward in that direction, the balance moving down the 
covered way. 

Question. Were you the senior officer present, and did you regard yourself 
responsible for putting in at the proper time the troops designated as supports 
in orders ? 

Answer. I was the senior officer present in front of my own corps ; but I 
never dreamed of having any authority whatever to order in the troops of any 
other corps. I m'ght have had authority to call upon other troops, but I had 
no authority to order any in that I know of 

Question. You don't consider yourself responsible for anything further than 
your own corps ? 

Answer. No, sir, except as to make such suggestions as I thought were 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 173 

proper. I did not think that I had any general con^.mand that day. In fact, I 
had no anthonty to order in any other troops than my own corpg, General 
Meade having specially reserved that right to himself in the correspondence 
before you. 

The court then adjourned to meet at ten o'clock a.m. on the 12th instant. 

SIXTH DAY. 

Court Room, Headquarters Seco.nd Corps, 

Avgvst 12, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Mile.'*, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 5th day were read and approved. 
The testimony of Major General Burnside was resumed. 

Questions by the judge advocate : 

Question. What brigade commanders were in and about the crater near the 
enemy's line 1 

Answer. All the brigade commanders of the corps, I think. 

Question. What division commanders? 

Answer. I do not know positively that any divisi(in commander was in the 
crater, unless possibly General Potter. Their headquarters were upon the ad- 
vance line, something over one hundred yards from the crater. 

Question. Please describe the covered ways through which the troops passed 
from the rear up to your line, how long they were, and their direction with 
reference to your line of works. 

Answer. Both the covered ways were, in general direction, perpendicular to 
the advance line, particularly just before approaching it. There were advan- 
tages taken of the depression of the ground in rear that made certain portions of 
them at angles -to the line — some obtuse and some acute. The covered ways 
were built so as to enable columns to move under comparatively good shelter 
entirely up to our advance line, or, in other words, to the low ground just in rear 
of our advance line, and were capable of allowing regiments to. pass by twos if 
not by fours. The commencement of all the covered ways was in the depressed 
ground in rear of the main line, or, in other words, in rear of the fourteen-gun 
battery ; and I should think that they would average, including the zigzag, a 
tbuusaud yards. 

Question. In what formation did the colored troops move to the assault ? 

Answer. The* colored troops moved from their position in rear of our advance 
line by flank up to the position we had carried in the enemy's line, and from 
there endeavored to move in line to the front. 

Question. Could General Ord's troops get into action at any other point than 
at the crater ? 

Answer. I received positive information from. General Potter that his troops 
were not in the way, and that General Ord's could have moved to the right, 
and 1 distinctly understood from General Ord that he had given orders for his 
troops to move to the right of the ground that we occupied. As to how many 
obstacles they would have met in that movement I am not here prepared to say. 
I am satisfied of one thing, that General Ord gave the necessary orders for an 
advance in that direction. As to the efforts that were made, I am not per- 
sonally cognizant. General Potter, who held the right of our line, is a more 
intelligent witness upon that point than I am. 



174 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEP^ORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Did any officer report to you tliat bis troops could not be got for- 
ward ? 

Answer. No, sir. I received a report from Colonel Loring, wbicb General 
Meade opened, stating to me tbat tbere was great difficulty in getting tbe 
troops to move from tbat crater, or sometbing to that effect. Tbat paper is lost, 
as far as I can find. I have ordered it to be looked for. But Colonel Loring 
was not a commander of troops ; be was an aide-de-camp of mine. But no 
commander of troops reported to me tbat bis troops could not be brougbt for- 
ward. 

Question. Please state wbat were tbe obstacles, abatis or otber obstacles, in 
front of tbe enemy's line in tbe iieigbborbood of tbe crater. Were tbey a 
serious opposition to tbe passage of troops? 

Answer. On tbe rigbt and left of tbe crater, beyond tbe parts tbat bad been 
effected by the explosion, tbere were botb abatis and chevaux-de-frise, prmci- 
])ally tbe latter, constructed by placing rails in tbe parapet, sharpening tbe 
points, and, I suppose, tying them back, or putting in sticks, to bold them in 
their positions; but of tbat I cannot say, because I was not close enougb to 
determine tbat fxct. Considerable abatis was in one portion of the line, lying 
upon these rails, wbicb tbe enemy bad not been able to place in consequence 
of tbe constant fire from our troops in the front line. I do not think tbe obsta- 
cle was remarkably formidable, but it was a sufficient obstacle to stop tbe 
progress of troops. Tbere would bave been a necessity for their removal by 
pioneers before troops could bave passed over. 

Question. How mucb of the enemy's breastworks were blown up by the 
springing of the mine ? How mucb of tbe abatis destroyed? 

Answer. The report of Colonel Pleasants will be before you, and he will give 
you tbat exactly. I should place it at Irom one bundred and forty-five to one. 
hundred and fifty feet, say one bundred and fifty feet. There was not as mucb 
of tbeir line disturbed as I expected. I supposed tbat for a considerable dis- 
tance on tbe right and left of the line the earth would bave been so mucb dis- 
turbed as to cause chcvaux-dc-frise to fall from tjie parapet. 

Question. AVas tbe ground around tbe crater commanded by the ground beld 
by tbe enemy 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; to a very great extent. 

Question. Wbat was your opinion at tbe time of tbe force of tbe enemy re- 
sisting your advance on tbe 30tb of July ? 

Answer. From data received by me, and especially from a despatch received 
very soon before the order to withdraw came, I judged there was about a 
division and a half, certainly not to exceed two divisions. This force consisted 
of troops tbat were in tbe line when the mine was exploded, and troops tbat 
were moved from tbe enemy's rigbt. No troops were reported to me as having 
moved from the enemy's left. Tbere Avas a signal station in front of my line 
from wbicb, I think, any important movement of troops from tbe enemy's left 
could have been discovered. Tbey certainly could not bave approacbed our 
line from the enemy's left witbout being observed, I received a despatch from 
my signal officer. Captain Paine, stating that tbe enemy's rigbt was very mucb 
weakened. Tins was not communicated to me direct, inasmucb as I bad left 
my beadquarters to visit General Potter's, and it did not reach me in time to 
communicate tbe substance of it to General ]\Ieade before tbe orders to with- 
draw came. 

Question. Wbat was tbe nature of tbe enemy's fire concentrated on tbe 
crater, immediately after tbe explosion of tbe mine — bow much artillery fire 1 
Please explain tbat, if you know. 

Answer. The artillery fire was very light indeed, and bad tbe advance troops 
been in condition to assault, and made the kind of an assault tbat they could 
bave made, or tbat tbey bad made in tbe beginning of tbe campaign, tbere is no 



i 

EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 175 

doubt in my mind but they could have gained the crest. For a long time, com- 
paratively epeaking, the fire, both of musketry and artillery, \vas°very light. 
What 1 mean by a long time is fifteen minutes, say. 

Question. Why did not your troops remain, as you wished, to hold the crater, 
and for what purpose did you propose to hold it t 

Answer. I received a positive order to withdraw to our intrenchments. I left 
my chief of stafi" with a view to getting that order resciided. Finding that it 
■was final, I telegraphed to him to that effect, and he communicated to the general 
officers in the crater that the order Avas finnl. In fact, he sent a copy^of my 
telegram to them. My reason for desiring to hold the crater was, that if we 
could have connected it with diagonal lines reaching from a point, say one hun- 
dred and fifty yards to the right, to General Potter's extreme left, and another 
line extending to it from our old line one hundred and fifty yards from General 
Wilcox's extreme right, we would have a salient which would have been quite 
as easy to hold, if not more easy, than the one we now hold, and would have 
given us, I think, command of a considerable portion of the enemy's line both 
on our right and left, forcing him, I think, even if we had made no further at- 
tempt to carry the crest, to move his whole line back to that position. 

Question. You have said somewhere in the testimony that 3,828 was the 9tb 
corps' loss. At what phase of the action did the loss chiefly occur ? 

Answer. I have already given a detailed account of the killed, wounded, and 
prisoners. A large proportion of the prisoners were lost after the order to with- 
draw had been received, and I think a considerable portion of the killed and. 
wounded. I will not Venture to say now that so great a proportion occurred 
after that time as was indicated in the despatch sent by me to General Meade, 
and which is now before the court ; but that was not far wrong, in my opinion. 

Question. Why were the men withdrawn at the time they were ? 

Answer. The despatch stating that there was a final order to withdraw had 
reached the crater, and it was known to both officers and men that such a 
despatch was in existence. At the last assault of the enemy, General Hartrauft 
gave the order to his command to withdraw, and sent word down the line that 
he had given this order ; and such portion of the command as could get out of 
the crater and the enemy's lines returned to our own lines. General Hartrauft 
was not, in fact, authorized to make such a movement ; but I have not the 
slightest doubt in my oavu mind but he thought he was carrying out the spirit of 
the order. It was one of those misunderstandings which arc so likely to happen 
at so critical a time. He had before reported that they would be able to hold 
their position, which report was made previous to any knowledge on his part of 
the fact that we were ordered peremptorily to withdraw. 

Question. Did any troops, to your knowledge, misbehave, fail to go forward 
when ordered, or disobey orders in any way or at any time during the action ? 
If so, name them. 

Answer. A considerable portion of the troops failed to go forward after re- 
peated orders from their officers and extreme efforts to cause them to advance ; 
but I do not believe that, under the circumstances, any of the troops can be 
counted guilty of misbehavior. It is a fact that the black troops broke and ran 
to the rear in considerable of a panic, which indicat 'S misbehavior; but they 
Avent in late, found in the enemy's works quite a mass of our own troops unable 
to advance, and during their formation, and, in fact, during their advance be- 
tween the two lines, they were subjected to probably the hottest fire thit any 
troops had been subjected to during the day ; and I do not know that it is rea- 
sonable to suppose that after the loss of so great a portion of their officers they 
could have been expected to maintain their position. They certaiidy moved 
forward as gallantly under the first fire, and until their ranks were broken, as 
any troops 1 ever saw in action. 

Question. Who conducted the retirement of the troops from the crater ? 



176 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG 

Answer. That question is entirely answered by the answer to the question 
previously put, but I will reiterate it. General Hartrauft, unexpectedly to rrn; 
and to the division commanders, made a move with his brigade in consequence 
of the receipt of the despatch to which I have referred, and the word was passed 
alono- the line to retire, upon which all the troops came back to our lines that 
could get back. 

Question. Where were the division commanders while the troops were in the ' 
crater ? 

Answer. The division commanders were at their headquarters on our old ad- 
vance line, say one hundred and fifteen yards from the crater, moving at inter- 
vals from one point to another at that line, until it was decided that the order to 
withdraw was final, when I sent for the division commanders to come to my 
headquarters to arrange for the withdrawal ; soon after which I sent General 
Ferrero to make arrangements for digging trenches In fact, preparations had 
already been made for that purpose before the division commanders came to my 
headquarters. Before this work could be done the troops were driven from the 
crater in the manner in which I have designated. 
By the court : 
Question. How did all your troops cross from the advance line of works to 
the assault — by the flank or in line ? 

Answer. Generals Ledlie and Wilcox crossed in line. Generals Potter and 
Ferrero by flank. 

Question. Could the troops of the different divisions have been formed, the 
night previous to the assault, in lines parallel to the advance line, and near it ? 

Answer. They were formed in that position as nearly as possible, all of the 
advanced division being formed exactly in that way. 

Question. AVas the mine placed under charge of the engineer department of 
the army of the Potomac ? 

Answer. No, sir, it was not. In fact, two of the young engineers who re- 
ported for duty at my headquarters stated expressly that they were instructed 
that they had nothing to do with the mine. 

Question. Were there working )\irties detailed to follow the assaulting troops, 
carrying tools, gabions, and so forth, to crown the crest when gained? 

Answer. Yes, sir. There Avas an engineer regiment detailed to follow each 
division of white troops, with all the necessary tools ; and all necessary prepara- 
tions were made for pioneers in the division of colored troops. There were no 
instructions .to carry gabions, but all these engineer regiments were fully 
equipped with necessary tools for intrenching, if we had been successful in 
crowning the crest. 

Question. Why did not the division commanders go to the front, particularly 
when the troops ceased to advance ? 
Answer. I do not know. 

Question. Was General Hartrauft in command in the crater? 
Answer. He was not in command in tlie crater. 

Question. Had you been permitted to put your corps into action according to 
your own vicAvs — that is, the colored division in advance — do you think tho 
result would have been different ? 

Answer. For reasons already given, and given before the fight, and from ob- 
servations on that day, I am forced to believe that the fourth division (the col- 
ored division) would have made a more impetuous and successful assault than 
the leading division. 

The receipt of orders requiring the presence elsewhere of two members of 
the court caused its adjournment until it should be reconvened by the President, 
or some other proper authority. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 177 



SEVENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

Jo7ies House, August 29, 1864. 
Tlie court met, pursuant to the orders from tlie President, at ten o'clock, a. m. 
Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and' 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the sixth day were read and approved. 
The judge advocate submitted a letter which he received from Major Gen- 
eral Burnside, respecting his testimony, as follows : 

Coleman's Eutaw House, 

Baltimore, August 15, 1864. 
Colonel : You will remember that, in answering the last question put to 
me as to the reason none of my division commanders went into the crater, I 
made some explanation after saying " I don't know;" but it was finally decided 
to let the answer be, " I don't know." 

Lest it may be understood to be a censure upon those officers, I beg to add 

to the answer the following : I think General Potter was in the crater, and I 

am satisfied that the others felt that they were in the best position to command, 

except General Ledlie, who, I understood, was sick. The court can determine. 

Please lay this before the court, and believe me vours, very truly, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 

These officers, with the exception of General Ledlie, have served with me 
long and gallantly, and I do not desire to do aught to injure their well-earned 
reputation. »• 

Colonel Schriver, 

Inspector General, Army of the Potomac, Judge Advocate, h^. 

Record of tlie court of inquiry instituted by f^pecial Order No. 258, 1864, War 
Department. 

Page. 

Testimony of Major I. C. Duane, United States Engineers 128 

" Brigadier General R. B. Ayres, United States Volunteers. . 133 

Major General G. K. Warren, United States Volunteers. . . 137 

«' Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, United States Army 148 

" Lieutenant Colonel C. -B. Comstock, Aide-de-Camp 150 

Major General E. O. C. Ord, United States Volunteers 1 53 

Brigadier General R. B. Potter, United States Volunteers . . 167 
" Brigadier General E. Ferrero, United States Volunteers . . 179 
" Brigadier General 0. B. Wilcox, United States Volunteers 185 
" Maj'or General A. A. Humphreys, United States Volunteers 188 
" Brigadier General H. I. PLunt, United States Volunteers. . . 191 
" Lieutenant W. H. Beuyaurd, United States Engineers 194 

Major I. C. Duane, engineer corps, sworn, says to questions by the judge 
advocate : 

Question. Were you present at the assault of the 30th of July, and in what 
capacity did you serve ? ,. . , ^^^ c 

Answer. It was on the 5th corps front, assisting m du-ectmg the artillery tire. 

Question. Can you produce maps showing the lines then occupied by the 
armies 1 

Rep. Cora. 114-12. 



178 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer. Yes, sir. I here produce two maps, showing the general positions 
of the armies, and the position of the 9th corps in detail. These maps are 
marked Nos. 65 and 66, appendix. 

Question. What, in your opinion, were some of the causes of failure on that 
occasion ? 

Answer. One cause was, that the troops, instead of moving up by division 
front, (column of division,) moved up by the flank. Another was, that they 
stopped in the crater, instead of pushing immediately forward. The points be- 
tween which they could have taken on ihe ridge are the points on the map be- 
tween Clark's house and Cemetery hill. Those being taken, Petersburg Avas 
in our possession. I have no doubt the enemy had guns in that position, but I 
do not know that he had any works ; if there were any works there, they were 
screened by the trees. No guns were opened immediately after the assault. 
The distance from the crater to the crest is about live hundred yards. 

Question. Could the troops have gone forward by division front ? 

Answer. I think they could if proper working parties had been sent to remove 
the abatis. 

Question. "Were there any working parties with them? 

Answer. I do not know. I was directed not to interfere with General Burn- 
side in his operations. I had no control over the operations in that part of the 
line. 

Question. Were there engineer officers to lead or direct the assaulting 
columns ] 

Answer. Lieutenant Beuyaurd, of the engineers, was on duty on that front, 
and was available in case the general commanding that corps wished to make 
use of an engineer. Captain Farquhar was also on duty with the 18th corps, 
and was present, but not under my orders. 

Question. What arrangements were made for facilitating the debouch of the 
troops from our lines and passage over the enemy's parapets 1 

Answer.. I do not know. 

Question. Were the obstructions at the enemy's line formidable ? Cf what 
did they consist 1 

Answer. They consisted of a strong rifle-pit, Avith a good abatis in front. 
Surh obstructions are formidable, in case theie are troops behind the parapets 
to defend them. In this instance there did not appear to be sufficient force 
behind the parapet to prevent these works being carried. 

Question. How was our artillery fire as to effectiveness on that occasion ? 

Answer. It completely silenced the batteries of the enemy that were in posi- 
tion, and had been in position previous to this day, on the /)th corps front. I 
had nothing to do Avith the right, Avhich Avas on the 18th corps line. 

Question. In your opinion, was the point of attack a judicious one 1 

Answer. I did not consider it so, although there Avas a chance of success. 
The point of attack was on a re-entrant on the line, Avhich exposed an attacking 
column to a fire on both flanks and front. 

Question. Did you at any time make that known to the authorities ? 

Answer. I did, two or three days previous to the attack. 

Question. In Avritten or verbal communications ] 

Answer. I had frequently made it known verbally ; two days previous to 
the attack, in writing, to the general commanding the army of the Potomac. 

Question. Can you produce that report 1 

Answer. I can; and I Avill hand it to the judge advocate. (It is marked 
67.; 

Question. What is your opinion of the mine as a means of assault ? 

Answer. It is a very unusual way of attacking field fortifications. I do not 
think that there Avas any reasonable chance of success by such an attack. 

Question. Had the engineer departmenir anything to do Avith it ? 



EXPLOSION OF* THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 179 

Answer. It had not. 

Question.^ Please to state what advantage would have resulted from holdino- 
the crater simply 1 ^ 

Answer. No advantage. 
Bj the court : 

Question. Did you see this explosion and assault ? 

Answer. I saw the explosion. I did not see the assault distinctly; I was too 
far to the left. 

Question. You could not see how far to the right or left the enemy's parapet 
was abandoned, from any fire that came from it ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. What artillery of the enemy did you see open and play upon that 
assaulting column within the first fifteen minutes after the explosion 1 

Answer. I did not see any. They opened on our batteries, but I did not see 
them open on the column. I did not see them open on the column, and do not 
think they did. They opened with 30-pounders on us. 

Question. Although you" did not think the mine, as a means of assault, 
promised much success, do you believe, from the circumstances that transpired, 
it would have been a success had the troops gone to the top of the crest ? 

Answer. I believe it would. 

Question. Do you believe that there was any difficulty in the way of the 
troops going to the crest during the first fifteen minutes ? 

Answer. I do not think there was the slightest difficulty. 

Question. Do you think that, immediately after the explosion, had there been 
proper working parties at work, the parapet of the enemy could have been cleared 
of sufficient of the obstructions and abatis within the first fifteen minutes to 
have allowed a brigade front to have passed over ? 

Answer. Yes ; I think there could. 

Question. There was no other difficulty in crawling over the parapet except 
the fire? 

Answer. No, sir ; and the abatis was a loose abatis of limbs pitched over 
the parapet. In some places it was a rail abatis — rails inclined forward. 

Question. What should the storming party have done when they reached the 
crest, had they reached it? what should have been their first operation — to have 
proceeded to Petersburg or intrenched themselves ? 

Answer. I think they should have intrenched on the crest. I do not think 
they could have stayed in Petersburg, as it was commanded. 
- Question. Had you ever been called upon for any gabions or an}'- materials 
for making a parapet upon the enemy's intrenchments ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Were any gabions prepared in this army except by the engineer 
department for those works ? 

Answer. None. 

Question. Nor any other material of that kind — facines, and so forth — to assist 
in making a parapet? 

Answer. No. 

Brigadier General R. B. Ayres, United States volunteers, sworn by the judge 
advocate : 

Question. General, were you present at the assault on the 30th of July, and 
had you facilties for seeing the progress of affiiirs on that day? 

Answer. My division was a part of the command of the 5th corps, massed 
upon the right of the 5th corps, and upon the left of the 9th, in the railroad cut, 
for purposes indicated in the order of assault. I was directed by General War- 
ren to make my headquarters with his at the five-gun battery, in the corner of 
the woods in front of the Avery house. I was in that position when the mine 



180 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG 

was sprung and the assaulting columns went forward. The general directions 
of those columns as they marched forward were visible from this position. As 
the troops tiled out we could see them distinctly. After q[uite a large force filed 
out there, they seemed to have formed a line of battle at one time along, in, or 
near the enemy's rifle-pits, adjacent to the mine. A body of troops also filed 
behind tliat line to the loft, as we looked at them, apparently to march around 
the line and advance to the crest, which was the object to be gained — Cemetery 
liill. After a time I saAv those troops go back again towards the right, coming 
in still behind that line of battle standing. Directly after this I was requested 
by General Warren to ride to the 15-gun battery, to see what chance offered me 
to put my division in on the left of the troops still standing, as I described. I 
went there, made an examination, turned to General Warren and stated to him that, 
as the troops were massed in our old line in rear of the mine in great crowds, it 
would be A'ery difficult to march my division through there unless they made a 
way for me; but if a way was made I could march my division by the flank, face 
it to the left, sweep down to the left, carry a certain battery there was firing across, 
and clean out the rifle-pits they occupied. General Warren rode with me a second 
time there, immediately after this. First, my division was ordered to be closed up 
as soon as possible, to be in readiness; then we rode together to the 15-gun battery. 
As we crossed the field between this 5-gun battery and the 15-gun battery I 
saw the negro troops coming back to the rear like a sand-slide. By the time 
we got to the corner of the 15gun battery numbers of them were sweeping 
through tliat — sweeping around from different quarters ; some one side and some 
another, some into the covered ways and some into the field between. A 
close observation assured me that that line of battle which I first described 
was replaced by the enemy in the rifle-pits on the right of the mine. 1 saw 
their battle-flags, and their bullets fell around us. Some one then proposed 
that General Warren should immediately put in the 5th corps at that moment. 
General Warren and myself concluded that the time was passed; they had lost 
what they had, excepting those men who were left in the crater. And immedi- 
ately after that we rode to our position at the 5-gun battery, and 1 received notfee 
that the movement was suspended, and a few moments after orders to send my 
division to its camp. 

Question. Please to relate some of the chief causes of failure on that occasion. 

Answer. Firstly, those troops that went to make their attack seemed to be 
going out simply by the right flank from two covered ways ; therefore, the 
lieads of regiments arrived at the crater in that condition, when there should 
have been a line of battle arriving there. These men rushed into the crater, 
and a considerable amount of time was lost in endeavoring to get troops in some 
formation to advance properly in line of battle. Arrangements should have 
been made, that when that mine was sprung the troops which were to make jthe 
assault to carry the crest, which looked down upoii tlie city, should advance in 
line of battle, so that they would have been in hand and subject to the com- 
mand of their officers. That, in my judgment, was the principal cause of the 
failure. The commencement of the assault, in my judgment, was the cause of 
its entire failure. If those dispositions had been made, and those troops had 
advanced in fine of battle instead of in columns of regiments, I believe they 
would have taken that crest. There was a great deal of work which should 
have been done along our old line nearest to the crater and to the south of the 
line of the gallery, so that troops could have readily marched forward at least 
in two regiments abreast. That being done, and those troops ^dvanced as I 
descrilied, I believe they would have taken that crest readily, and I believe 
that then, if the supports had been thrown in promptly, that crest would have 
been held, and success would have crowned the operation. After it was clear 
that the thing had failed, I think that prompt orders should have been given to 
withdraw, in one rapid movement, all the troops left in the crater, to bring th(3m 
cut in one body rapidly back to their lines. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 181 

Major General G. K.Warren, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, 
says : 

By the judge advocate : 

Question. General, were you present at the assault on the 30th July, the day 
the mine was sprung, near this place ; and if so, in what capacity 1 

Answer. 1 was there in command of the fifth corps. 

Question. Will you please to state what, in your opinion, were some of the 
chief causes of that ftiilure? 

Answer, To mention them all at once, I never saw sufficient good reasons 
why it should succeed. I never had confidence in its success. The position 
was taken in reverse by batteries, and we must, as a matter of course, have ex- 
pected a heavy fire of artillery when we gained the crest, though we did not 
get near enough to develop what that would be. 1 never should have planned 
it, I think. 

Question. As it was planned, had yo^^ an opportunity of seeing whether the 
plan was carried out in the best manner — the plan having been adopted ? 

Answer. I can mention some faults. Tliere was great defect, I think, in the 
preparation for the movement of the assaulting column. I judge so from the 
way the column moved, as I did not visit the exact point. And second, I think 
the first force, instead of moving straight on the hill, should have cleared the 
intrenchments right and left of the crater, so as not to have exposed the ad- 
vancing cqlumn to a flank fire. I tried to make a similar assault there on the 
1 Sth of June, and that very same battery that operated on the left flank of 
Burnside's force that day was in operation on the previous occasion, and stopped 
all my eftbrts. 

Question. Could you mention that battery particularly by showing it on the 
map, or designating it in some way 1 

Answer. It is the first battery on the south side of the mine. 

Question. Was our artillery tire effective on that occasion 1 

Answer. As much so as it could be. I heard Colonel Abbot complain that a 
group of trees in front of one of his large batteries was left standing, and it was 
his desire to have it cleared away. 

Question. Did he say whose business it was to clear it away 1 Did he find 
fault with any one 1 In whose front was it ? 

Answer. In General Burnside's front. I remember he said General Burnside 
had told him that he was afraid clearing it away might disclot-e his intention ; 
but I do not think that he said whose fault it was that it was not done, or whether 
it was a fault, except in interfering with his battery. 

By the court : 

Question. Aside from any general principle with reference to the matter upon 
which you predicated the chances of success, do you think that after the mine 
exploded there really was a chance of success ] 

Answer. There are so many ifs in it. If we could have carried that first line 
of rifle-pits, and then maintained ourselves after we got to the crest, we would 
have had success; but I do not believe any troops will stand oh an open plain 
with artillery, covered by redoubts, playing upon them ; and I think that is 
what the enemy had then, or ought to have had, if they did not. If they have 
been there all this time without that preparation, they are much more unprepared 
than I think they ai'e 

Question. Did they open much artillery fire for the first fifteen minutes or 
half-hour after the explosion ? 

Answer. I should say not a great deal, not where 1 was ; only a very little. 
There was no particular danger in my vicinity for a group of horsemen standing 
right out in plain sight, as we did all the time. Their batteries were mainly 



182 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

placed for enfilading any line attacking, and probably reserved tbcir fire until 
that line approached. 

Question. Aside from that operation of the 9th corps, if the 5th corps, sup- 
ported by another, could have been thrown round on the enemy's right, occu- 
pying those two railroads and turning his right, what was the chance of success 
in that direction ? 

Answer. It would be impossible for me to say. I do not know what the na- 
ture of their defences were in that direction. I believe, from what I have heard, 
that the very brigade which repulsed General Burnside was located there in the 
morning, and my corps at that time had no force in reserve, except General 
Ayres's division and a brigade of General Crawford's and a brigade of General 
Cutler's. 

Question. Was there any force of the enemy there strong enough to resist the 
number of troops we had disposable, had they been put in properly after the 
first assault had failed? 

Answer. I can answer that question and cover a little more. When we at- 
tacked, in the first operation on Petersburg, we had more force than on this 
occasion, and the enemy had about the same, I think; and I don't believe that 
the blowing up of the mine made up for the difference in the increased strength 
of the earthworks, as they were on the 18th of June and the 30th of July; and 
if the operation of the 18th of June decided anything, I think it decided that 
the opei-ation of the 30th of July would have met with the same result. 

Question. Did you feel the want of any person on the field, who could see for 
himself and give commands on the spot 1 Had that any effect upon the result'? Or 
do you think that any person ought to have been present who should have had 
jommand of the storming party and all the troops ready to take part in the 
operation 1 

Answer. I think some one should have been present to have directed my 
command as well as General Burnside's and General Ord's — some one person; 
but whether that would have affected the result or not I am not prepared to say. 

Question. Did you experience any uncertainties and doubts for the want of 
such a person's presence there? 

Answer. Yes. 

Question. Were there moments when such a person's presence was necessary 
in order to decide at once what should be done? 

Answer. I think it was necessary that some one should have been there. If 
you have my official report it will show you that I was in doubt whether to 
move to the left or move to the right to help General Burnside, and that I had 
to await the transmission of despatches and corresponding answers — my report 
shows how much ; but I do not know that that would have affected the main 
result at all. My report is a complete answer to your question. Sometimes, in 
these badly planned or badly inaugurated assaults, the longer and better they 
are pressed the worse we are off— great losses being sustained after the time and 
chance of success are gone. 

The court adjourned, to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. on 30th July. 

EIGHTH DAY. 

Headciuarters Second Corps, 

Jo/ies House, August 30, 1864. 
The comt met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 7th day were read and approved. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 183 

By General Meade : 

Question. What did you mean by saying " some one should have been present 
to have directed my command together with the commands of Generals Ord and 
Burnside " ? Were you not aware that the commanding general of the army of 
the Potomac was in the field, and in telegraphic communication with yourself 
and the other officers alluded to ? 

Answer. I saw from my position, which was, I suppose, about four hundred 
yards from General Burnside's, as well as could be seen in the morning in the 
smoke, that the assault was not going on very rapidly, and that no effort had 
been made to do what I thought was the first essential — to take that battery on 
the left of the mine. 1 then went to General Burnside's, which was as close to 
the scene of operations as a man could be and see well. There I found Generals 
Burnside and Ord engaged in conversation. I suggested to General Burnside 
that that battery should be taken at once ; he asked me to go down the line and 
take a look at it from another point, and I did so. Upon returning, I saw I was 
confirmed in my first opinion, and he asked me if my troops could not take it. 
At that time all the approaches leading down to where the mine was were filled 
with his troops, still slowly moving down, and there was no chance for me to 
get at the battery, except to go over tlie open field. I, however, determined to 
put in General Ayres's division at once, and try to take it, and went back for 
that purpose, when I got a despatch from General Meade, the exact language 
of which I do not remember, to the effect that I would await information from 
some operations which had been directed, or that were then going on on the left ; 
and then it was that I wrote one of the despatches in which I said that I 
thought some one should be there to direct whether I should attempt to take 
that battery or go with my division round to the left, as General Crawford 
reported that he was unable to do anything, with what force he had there, on 
the plank road. I will qualify Avhat I said about the loss of time. I lost con- 
siderable time talking to General Burnside ; I lost some time in going to see 
the battery with him ; I lost some time in writing despatches and awaiting an- 
swers ; and, in an operation of that kind, every moment was of vital importance, 
for before 1 got the order to go in and take the battery, the enemy had driven 
nearly all of General Burnside's line out of the intrenchments he had taken. 

If General Burnside had given me any orders, as I was there for the purpose 
of supporting him, I would have obeyed them ; but he seemed to act as if what 
we did was to be done after consultation, and, therefore, I thought that some 
one should have been right there to have directed at once, without a moment's 
loss of time, what should be done and what should not. 

Those despatches, show the extent of the loss of time. But, as I said in my 
testimony yesterday, I do not know that it affected the result at all. But, in 
reply to the direct question, if I thought there should have been some one there 
to give promptly positive orders what to do, I gave my first answer. 

Question. How much time was occupied in these consultations, reconnois- 
. sauces, and other matters referred to by you? and would not the commanding 
general, had lie been at the point referred to by you, have been compelled to 
consume the same time? 

Answer. I do not remember how much time was lost, and cannot tell exactly, 
unless I can have my official report, or a copy of it, or some records of that 
kind to refer to. But it was a point of observation at which I should have 
consulted with nobody. 

Everything was plainly to be seen. 

Different persons might look at it differently, but it was a position where any 
one man could see the whole. In my opinion, the most important time was lost 
before I went to that point. 



184 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 

Questiou. Why did you consume the time \yhich you acknowledge to have 
been lost, and why did you not at once telegraph the commanding general 
about what you saw and what you thought could or should be done 1 

Answer. The time that I speak of was consumed by General Burnside. In 
my instructions I was directed to support him ; and 1 informed him where my 
headquarters were, as stated, not fur from his. I waited there for his direc- 
tions. I thought that my being with him, under orders to support him, the time 
lost was lost by him and not by me. I did keep the commanding general as 
promptly informed of everything as I possibly could. Even if I had chosen to 
have acted independently, according to my own discretion, subject to the ap- 
proval of the commanding general, all the approaches to the point were occupied 
by General Burnside's troops. I could not have moved mine without getting 
them mixed up with his. 

By the court : 

Question. Did you not mean, in your previous answers, that it was your be- 
lief that if the commanding general had been on that field there would have 
been a pressure brought to bear to push those troops of the 9th corps that oc- 
cupied those trenches forward foster than they went ? 

Answer. 1 think that the controlling poAver should have been there, and no- 
where else, so that there should have been no reference to anywhere else. 

Question. "When you replied to the last question put to you yesterday, did 
you consider that the commander of the army of the Potomac should have been 
present in person, or that some one should have been invested Avith the com- 
mand of all the troops engaged in the assault as supports, reserves, &:c., if said 
commander was not there 1 

Answer. I meant that some one person, having general command, should 
have been there to have seen and directed all at once. 

Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, United States army, being sworn and ex- 
amined by the judge advocate, says: 

Question. Will you please to state what, in your judgment, caused the failure 
of the attack on the enemy's lines on the 30th of July ? 

Answer. It seemed to me that it was perfectly practicable for the men, if they 
had been properly led, to have gone straight through the breach which was 
caused by the explosion of the mine, and to have gone to the top of Cemetery 
hill. It looked to me, from what I could see and hear, that it was perfectly 
practicable to have taken the men through; but whether it was because the men 
themselves would not go, or whether it was because they were not led, I was 
not far enough to the front to be qualified to say. 

Question. What orders which you issued were not executed, if any? 

Answer. I could send you copies of all the despatches that I wrote. The 
orders for the assault were issued by General Meade, in obedience to general 
instructions from me. I saw the detailed order of General Meade before the mine 
was exploded, and I thought that the execution of that order was practicable. . 
That order, 1 presume, you have before you. My order was to General Meade, 
and then General Lleade made his order from Avhat I directed him to do, and 
sent me a copy of it; and I thought it was all that coixld be required. I rec- 
ollect that, failing on the north bank of the river to surprise the enemy, as we 
expected or hoped to do, but instead of that drew a large part of his force to 
the north side, I telegraphed to General Meade that Ave Avould now take ad- 
vantage of the absence of that force of the enemy to explode the mine and make 
an assault on Petersburg. 

By the court : 
Question. From your information, how many of the enemy were in Peters- 
burg at the time of this assault i 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 185 

Answer. My informatiou was, that three divisions were left in Petersburg, 
with one brigade absent from those divisions — Johnson's. From the best evi- 
dence, none of the enemy's troops crossed the James river until 2 o'clock of the 
30th of July, on their way back. Then they had fully sixteen miles to travel 
to get back, with, however, the advantage of a railroad near them to carry many 
of the men. The distance I guess at, when I stiy sixteen miles. 

Lieutenant Colonel C. B. Comstock, aide-de-camp, being duly sworn and 
examined by the judge advocate, says : 

Question. Were you at or near the scene of the assault on the 30th of July; 
by whose orders, and in what capacity? 

Answer. I was at General Burnside's headquarters, as aide-de-camp to Lieu- 
tenant General Grant, and afterward at General Warren's headquarters by 
General Grant's orders. 

Question. Did you see General Burnside in person; and had you conversa- 
tion with him ? 

Answer. I had some conversation with him. 

Question. Relate the conversation in brief. 

Answer. I went from General Burnside's headquarters, to the position he had 
in the front, to ascertain how things stood; I suppose the time was about an 
hour after the explosion of the mine. He told me that his troops were forming 
then for an assault to carry the crest of the hill. That was the only important 
point in the conversation. 

Question. Did he give you any information to communicate to General Grant? 

Answer. I do not recollect that he did. 

Question. Had you an opportunity of forming au opinion as to the cause or 
causes of the failure on that day 1 

Answer. I had not, from anything that I saw myself. 

By the court : 

Question. Were you so situated that you could see this assault ? 

Answer. I could not until I went to General Warren's headquarters, which 
was about 7 o'clock. I could not see the details. 

Question. Had you made such an examination prior to the assault that would 
enable you to give a professional opinion as to the chances of success in at- 
tempting to take Cemetery hill by assault, considering the explosion of the mine 
as the basis of the assault. 

Answer. I had. 

Question, I wish you would state to the court what the chances of success 
were, using this mine as a means of inaugurating the assault. 

Answer. I thought it entirely impracticable when the mine was made, if the 
enemy's line should be held in full force. This opinion was formed a week or 
ten days prior to the assault. Afterwanxls, with the knowledge I had of the 
movement of the enemy's troops from the south to the north side of the river, 
I thought an assault was entirely practicable. 

Question. What do you suppose would have been the best plan for the as- 
saulting troops to have followed after having reached Cemetery hill — made a 
lodgement on and fortified that place, or proceeded immediately into the town of 
Petersburg ? 

Answer. I suppose the first step should have been to have made a lodgement 
on Cemetery hill, and then to have pushed up troops to hold it at all hazards. 
The disposition of the troops would depend upon the nature of the ground. 

Question. From your knowledge of the nature of the intrenchments, our own 
and the enemy's, do you think that immediately after the explosion of the mine, 
if proper working parties had been arranged, there would have been any diffi- 



186 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 

culty ill removing sufficient obstructions to have enabled our troops to have 
moved against those intrenchments in line of battle ? 

Answer. I do not think there would have been any difficulty. 

Major General E. 0. 0. Ord, United States Volunteers, being duly sworn and 
examined by the judge advocate, says : 

Question. Please state what was your command at the assault on the 30th of 

July. 

Answer. My command was composed of two divisions to aid in the assault, 
one of which belonged to the 10th corps, and was under General Turner, and 
the other to the l8th corps, under General Ames. The divisions numbered. 
General Ames's about 3,500 and General Turner's 4,000 available muskets, or 
jirobably a little less. 

Question. What were your troops ordered to do ? 

Answer. My troops were ordered to a position in the rear of General Burn- 
side's corps, with a view to supporting it. The positions were selected by Gen- 
eral Burn side. 

Question. Did your troops experience any interference from the 9th corps 
moving into position on that occasion? 

Answer. After General Burnside's troops had made the assault and pushed 
forward, probably about an hour or a little more after the explosion of the 
mine, he said to me, " Now you can move your troops forward." I sent orders 
immediately to the leading division to move forward rapidly, according to the 
progranmie, following the division that was in front of it, which was the rear 
division of General Burnside's corps. In the course of twenty minutes after 
the order was sent out by a staff oificer, General Turner reported to me that he 
found the way blocked, that the approach to the place of debouche was occu- 
pied by the divisions in front, and that he had found himself in front of Gen- 
eral Potter's troops. 

This was the report made by him. General Potter's troops, according to 
the programme, were to precede his. 

Question. Were any arrangements made for the passage of troops through 
the abatis, and over the parapets, to go tu the front on that day 1 

Answer. When I went to the front I found the troops debouching by a single 
opening. The parapet had been thrown down, and the abatis had been re- 
moved, and the troops were moved out by that opening. 

Question. Please state the dimensions of that opening ; would it admit of the 
passage of troops in column, or line, or how 1 

Answer. I cannot give the exact dimensions, because my attention was occu- 
pied principally in watching what was going on in front of this place ; but my 
impression is that the opening was large enough for a column of a company 
front to go out over pretty rough ground. I do not know whether there was 
more than one opening ; I only saw that one. 

Question. That was the one your troops passed through ? 

Answer. No, my troops did not all pass through that way ; I directed a por- 
tion of my troops to go over the parapet. 

Question. Did you direct them to go over the parapet because, in your judg- 
ment, the opening was inadequate ? 

Answer. I gave those directions because the ground in front of this place of 
exit was occupied by other troops, and there was no room after they got out for 
them to be of service without moving for a considerable distance by the flank, 
to the right and left. 

Question. How Avere the troops that debouched to the assault formed to ad- 
vance ? 

Answer. When I went to the front, I saw white troops moving out by the 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 187 

flank into tlie crater and the trenches near ; I say by the flank, but I will ex- 
plain that they passed along by twos and threes, and sometimes fours, along 
this space, which was pretty well swept by the fire of the enemy— the space 
between our trenches and the crater formed by the explosion of the mine. These 
white troops were followed afterwards by some colored troops, who also moved 
out, as it were, by flank, though the appearance of moving by flank may have 
been caused by the columns being somewhat disordered and hesitating in the 
move, so that ,a few moving forward first, and others following them, would 
diminish the width of a column, and give the troops the appearance of moving 
by flank. 

Question. In your opinion, was this movement by flank judicious, or was it 
unavoidable ? 

Answer. I would not suppose it was a judicious move, under the circum- 
stances, if it could have been avoided ; I rather think, if intended to be a move- 
ment with a front of one or more companies, then the kind of formation I saw 
was caused by the hesitation of the troops in the rear, and the natural disposi- 
tion of those men who are more or less timid in following those in front to 
string themselves out in almost single file. 

Question. What, in your opinion, were some of the causes of ftiilure on that 
occasion § , 

Answer. I think the first cause was that the troops were not well disciplined ; 
they probably had not had time to become soldiers. The next cause may have 
been that they passed out of the trenches by one place of exit, and through the 
covered way to a considerable extent, which necessarily impeded the progress 
of troops going out, especially as troops began coming in by the same covered 
way. 

Question. Were the obstacles met by our troops, in your opinion, formidable ] 

Answer. I did not go to the front until difficulties were reported in the way of 
carrying out the order received from General Meade, to move my division out to 
the right, independent of the troops in my front, and endeavor to reach the crest 
of the hill ; it was reported by the division commanders that the nature of the 
ground was such that they could not get out that way. I went down to inspect 
the ground myself, and I derived the impression that there were d fficulties in the 
way of getting out from the position occupied by my men at that time, except 
in one place. They were in the long covered way — the way leading to the 
angle from which the troops debouched ; the ground was swampy, covered with 
more or less undergrowth and trees, and appeared to run obliquely in front of 
the enemy's trenches. If the troops should get into that swamp and under- 
growth it would have been difficult to have kept them in order, and the enemy 
would have had them at a greater disadvantage, raking them if they occupied the 
trenches. The covered way was a pretty deep one, and I supposed from the 
fact of its being there, leading to the place of exit, it was swept by a very heavy 
fire from the enemy's batteries. It was reported that the stream running through 
the marsh was bridged in one place by a narrow bridge where we crossed it, 
and that it Avas a difficult place for troops to pass over ; when I got there I saw 
that it was very muddy, that delays would be occasioned, and that it was a dif- 
ficult place to attempt to take the enemy's intrenchments, and we would have 
got on the ground just under the enemy's works and probably been exposed to 
a very severe fire. 

Question. Did any troops, to your knowledge, misbehave or disobey orders ? 

Answer. None that I know .of, except after, when an assault was made by 
some colored troops, followed by a brigade of the 10th corps, Avhich assault was 
made about 8 o'clock, while I was in the front line of our trenches and within 
less than one hundred yards of the crater, and what I would call the movement 
of assault ; the men were repulsed by a very heavy concentrated fire which 



188 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

enveloped that point of exit — the enemy having massed forces on the right and 
front, and some fire coming from the left. 

Question. In your opinion, had the first troops that went forward not hesi- 
tated nor halted in the crater, could they not have got to the desirable point — that 
is. Cemetery hill 1 

Answer. I know nothing about their halting, or the facilities that they had 
for getting forward, except through wbat I heard from others, I not having been 
pi'esent at that time. 

Question. How was our artillery firing, as far as you observed — effective or 
otherwise ? 

Answer. The artillery fired very rapidly and for a long time ; and, judging 
from the I'cports in the enemy's newspapers which I have seen since, we must 
have done considerable damage by our artillery upon their columns moving 
across to the place of attack. 

Question. Were the obstructions north and south of the crater removed suffi- 
ciently to admit the passage of troops in line of battle — say brigade front? 

Answer. I did not see that any obstructions made by the enemy's trenches 
bad been removed when I was there, except what had been removed by the ex- 
plosion of the mine at the crater. Their ditch still remained, and I counted the 
regimental flags of our troops in my front occupying the trench. I do not know 
whether there was a strong abatis before the attack, so that I refer only to the 
ditch and the parapet. 
By the court : 

Question. Do you think the assault would have been successful there, had the 
best dispositions been made that you are conversant with ? 

Answer. From what I learned afterwards of the behavior of the troops after 
the explosion, when the enemy was most alarmed, I think that the assault, if it 
had been made with no more vigor, would have failed, no matter what the dis- 
position. If the troops had behaved properly elsewhere, I think the probability 
of success Avould have been increased by having more openings, a simultaneous 
assault, and iiicreased material ; but if the troops would have behaved as im- 
properly as they are reported to have done in front, not going forward when 
ordered, I think the assault would have failed, no matter what the disposition. 

Question. In your opinion, was there any necessity for an officer of rank being 
present who shou'd have had a more general command than the commander of 
the troops making the assault and the commanders of the supports and reserves? 
should there have been an officer present to have combined the whole command 
nearer than the commander of the army, who was only in telegraphic communi- 
cation with the diff"erent commanders of troops on the field? should there have 
been one single person there, invested with authority to direct the whole opera- 
tion? and would the result have been difi'm-ent, if such had been the case? 

Answer. The only commands referred to as present there — the assaulting 
corps and the reserves — wei-e under General Burnside and myself; and upon re- 
porting to General Burnside, I accompanied him to the trenches, and told him 
I would obey any instructions he gave me ; so that the whole of the operations 
were under his orders, until the orders came from higher authority to make the 
change referred to, and to discontinue the assault. General Burnside being the 
senior officer, I considered that he had a right to give me orders. He directed 
me to place my troops in the rear until after his ti-oops should have made the 
assault, and until he learned when they would be necessary, and where, which 
I did. General Burnside was to give me word when to move my troops, and 
where to move them. I told him I considered myself bound to obey any in- 
structions that he might give me, and that any instructions that he would give 
would be obeyed with alacrity; so that, so far as concerns the movements 
directed by him, I do not think the presence of any other officer in those two . 
corps would have made any change in moving forward. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 189 

Question. Could your troops, when they were called into action, have ad- 
vanced to the front over the enemy's parapet, and have gotten through in line 
of battle in any front greater than that of two regiments, at the time you were 
sent in, on each side of the crater 1 

Answer. I think it probable that my troops might have gotten in on the left 
of the crater at that time, if they had advanced through the opening by fronts 
of regiments, or even companies, gotten into the enemy's trenches ; but my an- 
swer must be understood to convey only a knowledge of what I saw. I do not 
know what force the enemy had on the left. I only know that the resistance 
on the right was very great, and they appeared to have a severe fire upon the 
troops on the right of where we advanced to the crater. My troops were 
directed to support General Burnside on the right. 

Question. Were you present when the mine exploded ? Do you consider 
that the troops might have advanced to the top of Cemetery hill on that ridge, 
had they been properly led forward, or the troop's behaved properly ? 

Answer. I do not consider I was present when the mine exploded. 

By General Meade : 

Question. Where was your general position on the field during the operation 
of the morning] 

Answer. When the mine exploded, and probably for an hour and a half or 
two hours afterwards, I was with General Bufnside in the trenches in rear of 
one of the batteries about one-third or half a mile from the point of assault ; 
after that for half an hour I was up to the front as far as I could get without going 
into the crater, or outside our line of intrenchments as far as the head of my 
advanced division was. I then returned, and General Burnside and mj'self 
occupied the same place in the rear of this battery for probably an hour, except 
that I rode to the rear where General Meade was, and passed around a 
little, trying to rally some troops who were going from the front. This took me 
till between 9 and 10 o'clock, when General Burnside and myself both rode 
to the rear to learn something about an order that was issued in regard to our 
future movements. 

Question. Could anything be seen from this point with sufficient distinctness 
to have enabled the commanding general to give orders other than he did from 
the point occupied by him 1 

Answer. Immediately after the explosion, the fire from both our batteries 
and the enemy's came very heavily, and the cloud of smoke prevented us from 
seeing anything that was going on there. We were ignorant of the condition 
of things except from the information staff officers brought us, or from the na- 
ture of the firing we heard, up to the time that I informed myself by going to 
the front. 

Question. Did you hear any staff officer report to General Burnside that 
the troops could not be got to advance from the crater? If so, how many offi- 
cers so reported, and do you know their names ? 

Answer. The first two or three reports that were brought to General Burn- 
side, were brought by officers whose names I do not know, and not^ until some 
considerable time had expired after the explosion ; and although I did not hear 
the reports distinctly enough to repeat them, they were not satisfactory, and 
indicated that the troops could not be moved readily forward. 

Question. Did you not report to the commanding general that the troops 
were overcrowded in the crater, and the enemy's works adjacent, and that in 
your judgment there was no probability of the crest of Cemetery hill being 
carried— this somewhere between 9 and 10 a. m., at the headquarters of the 
commanding general in the field ? m ^ -n 

Answer. I did. I would say, in addition to my answer, that General Burn- 
side and myself were present at the time, and the question was, whether we 



190 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG 

could carry it at that time; and my answer intended to convey wliether we — 
General Burnside and myself, with our forces — could have done so, had they let 
us ; and after the troops were disorganized and driven back, those who made 
the attack later and those who made the attack earlier were packed in the 
trenches adjacent, that, under the circumstances, we could not carry it with all 
our troops at that point of attack. 

Question. Did General Burnside, about 10 a. m., when at his commanding 
general's headquarters on the field, say that he could maintain his lodgement in 
the crater, and that he could take Cemetery hill before night, if so permitted ? 

Answer. General Burnside disagreed with me, when I said I did not think 
we could take it. I supposed he meant that he could take it with the force he 
had, consisting of his own corps and my reserves, though he said something 
about it was time then for the 5th corps to move up. The remark was made 
by General Burnside, with a xiew to persisting in the attack which he com- 
menced, and it had been my opinion, ever since I was near enough to see what 
was going on in the crater that the sooner we withdrew our troops, Avhen we 
got into such a bad position, the better, and any persistence in the attack at 
that point I looked upon as very improper. 

Question. Was it not understood at this time that offensive operations should 
cease, but that the crater should be held till the troops could be securely with- 
drawn, and that this would probably be till night ? 

Answer. I think such was General Burnside's understanding, and I know he 
received such orders. My troops were all inside the intrenchments, except 
those who had run into the enemy's trenches to avoid the tremendous fire which 
they met when they Avent out. 

By General Warren : 

Question. Do you remember seeing General Warren at the battery at General 
Burnside's station? 

Answei". I do. 

Question. Was not the whole field at that time sufficiently clear from smoke 
to be visible, and had been so for some time previously at that point? 

Answer. I do not know whether it was after my return from the vicinity of 
the crater or before that I saw General Warren. My impression is that each 
time I looked from the parapet before I left the trenches — which was two or 
three times that I rose to look to the front — the smoke obscured the view, so 
that I, at least, could form no definite idea of what was going on at the front. 
After the firing from the batteries on our side had ceased, which was probably 
an hoi;r from the time of the assault, the atmosphere was clearer; but even 
then I could make out really little of what was going on in front, from the 
distance, the peculiar position of the point of attack, and from the fact, too, 
that I do not see very well, because I am near-sighted. 

Brigadier General R, B. Potter, United States volunteers, being sworn and 
examined by judge advocate, says : 

Question. Were you in a position to see the operations of the assault before 
Petersburg, on the 30th of July, and in what capacity? 

Answer. I was commanding the 2d division 9th army corps. 

Question. Do you regard it as a tailure or otherwise ? 

Answer. I regard it as a failure. 

Question. To what cause or causes do you attribute this? 

Answer. Firstly, to the failure of the troops who had the advance on that 
day to carry out the orders to advance through the enemy's line and seize the 
hill. Secondly, that when it was evident that this part of the plan had failed 
no attempt was made at a diversion, at any other part of the line, to en- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 191 

able the troops, which were thrown hito confusion at this point, to be re-formed. 
I woukl further state that I do not think the preliminarj arrangements were 
very perfect. 

Question. What preparations were made, or what orders were given for the 
same, to pass troops through the abatis and over the parapet in front of the 
9th corps '.' Did you receive any orders yourself? 

Answer. I received no orders whatever in relation to that matter, except what 
are contained in the general order from the headquarters of the army of the 
Potomac. I was furnished a copy of that order, but no other order. 

Question. But what preparations were made, or what orders were given for 
the same, to pass troops through the abatis and over the parapet in front of the 
9th corps? 

Answer. The general order of General Burnside — I suppose it might be 
called the order of attack — was the only order given in writing. Verbal in- 
structions were given to have the pioneers of the different regiments, and a sort 
of pioneer regiment that we call the engineer regiment, in each division, pre- 
pared with their tools, &c., to prepare the breastworks for the passage of tield 
batteries, in case we were successful in moving forward. My regiment was im- 
mediately in the neighborhood of the breastwork, ready to carry out these in- 
structions, and my pioneers were also prepared. I had orders not to disturb 
anything immediately in the vicinity of the mine, so as not to atti-act the atten- 
tion of the enemy to that point. 1 was told to withdraw everything from that 
part of the line for a space of two or three hundred yards, except a thin line of 
skirmishers, and not to attract the enemy's attention there, if I could help it. 

Question. Huw were the 9th corps troops formed for the assault — your own 
division ibr instance 1 

Answer. My own division was to have been formed left in front, to move for- 
ward by the Hank, so that when my troops had passed the line of the enemy's 
intrenchments, by fronting their front would be to the right, my division bemg 
intended to cover the right of the advance. One brigade of my division was 
massed between the railroad and the advance line of works on the right-hand 
side of my covered way, and south of the mine. I had orders not to allow 
any troops on the left of the covered way. The other brigade was partially in 
the trenches, and about to be relieved by some of the troops of the iSth corps. 
Two or three regiments, which I was ordered not to put in the assault, were 
not in the trenches. 

Q,uesiiou. What time elapsed from the springing of the mine till the forward 
movement of the assaulting columns 'I 

Answer. I do not know, sir; 1 did not see the movement of the first division. 
The first of my regiments commenced to move, 1 should think, about eight or 
ten minutes after the mine exploded. My division was to move third in order, 
but I took the liberty of altering the programme a little. After 1 received the 
order of Major General Burnside— 1 received the order about nine o'clock at 
night— after thinking the matter over, it occurred to me that it would be a 
very long time before my division would have an opportunity to get forward, 
as the divisions of Generals Ledlie and Wilcox were to precede me. I there- 
fore commanded General Gnfiin, who had the lead in my division, to deploy a 
line of skirmishers to the right-of this crater, and in case the assault seemed to 
be successful and General Ledlie moved forward, he should advance las sku-- 
misliers to the right, and if he did not find so much serious opposition as to 
detain him there, he should push his troops forward to the right, and move tor- 
ward nearly parallel with General Ledlie. I gave him these orders abou 
twelve o'clock at night, and I do not think that I communicated to General 
Burnside that I had made this change. Therefore my troops commenced mov- 
ing as soon as General Gritiin found that General Ledlie's column had started 



192 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



This loading division commenced moving and passed into tlie right of the crater 
and turned down to the right. 

Question. Uid the troops halt in the crater ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Why ] 

Answer. No reason at all that I knov/ of. 

Question. What was the nature of the obstructions in the enemy's line, for- 
midable or otherwise ? 

Answer. To the right of the crater there was an ordinary line of rifle-pits 
with a sort of cJievaux-defrise in front of it, made by pointed stakes being 
driven into the ground. Immediately in rear of this, and to the right of it, there 
Avere two covered ways. One seemed to be a covered way, and one perhaps a 
place dug to carry something out of the fort. There were transverse lines of 
rifle-pits, and some coverings thrown up by the men to protect themselves — one 
running in these angles between the advance line and this covered way, Avhich 
runs off towards Petersburg, and another running on the bank of the ravine 
which runs up through the enemy's line to the right of the mine, about the 
line I was ordered to take. 

Question. What was the degree of artillery firing on that point — the point of 
assault ? 

Answer. Immediately after the assault, very light ; afterwards the fire was 
very severe indeed — as severe as I ever saw. 

Question. What time elapsed, as near as you can tell, from the time of the 
assault till the time this severe fire commenced ? 

Answer. I should think fully half an honr. 

Question. Was the ground around the crater commanded by the ground held 
by the enemy ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; that is, immediately in rear of the enemy's line which we 
had pierced the ground commanded it, and the ground to the right on the other 
side of the ravine commanded it. In speaking of the right, I mean our right. 
The ground to the left I did not notice so well, because I had no business there. 

Question. For what distance on each side of the crater Avere the enemy's 
works abandoned after the explosion of the mine 1 

Answer. To the right of the crater the front line was abandoned for a space 
of two hundred and filty or three hundred yards I should think. That is, the 
enemy's troops rushed out of this line back to these covered Avays, and so forth. 
From the hasty glance I gave to the left, there did not seem to be anybody 
Avithin three hundred yards. Perhaps it would be better to say that the line 
Avas only partially abandoned ; they did not all go — some went and some did not. 

Question. Could the troops have proceeded to the crest immediately after 
reaching the crater 1 

Answer. I do not know any reasons why they could not. 

Question. Did any troops that you know of advance from the crater to the 
crest 1 

AnsAver. Some of my troops advanced from the right of the crater towards 
the crest; I suppose they went upwards of two hundred yards, and they were 
driA^en back. 

Question. Why, do you suppose, Avere they driven back ? 

AnsAver. At that time they were driven back by the tire. They were too weak 
to advance further. 

Question. By the fire of artillery or of infantry ? 

Answer. Both. 

Question. At what hour was that ? 

AnsAver. That must have been about half or three-quarters of an honr after 
the mine exploded. 

Question. Do you think that if your men had been adequately supported, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 193 

they could have gone forward to the crest notwithstanding the obstacles that 
presented themselves, firing, and so forth, at that hour 1 

Answer. I think that if 1 had had my whole division together at that time, if the 
ground had been such that I could have had my whole division together and 
made that charge, I could have gone to the crest. 

Question. When these troops fell back where did they go 1 

Answer. They fell back partially into this covered way leading from the fort 
to the right, and a few were driven into the crater of the mine. 

Question. How long was it after they got in before they were ordered to 
retire ; how long were you in that place, or wherever they were 1 

Answer. Until the general order came to withdraw the troops. 

Question. How long would you estimate that time to be ? 

Answer. It must have been five or six hours. It seems to me we did not 
get that order till about 1 1 o'clock. General Burnside sent for me, I should 
think, about 10 o'clock in the morning, and stated that he had received an order 
to withdraw, and asked me if I thought we could hold the position. I told him 
I thought Ave could hold the position, but unless something was going to be 
done there was no use in it. He said it was an important point, or something 
of that sort, and I asked him if I would make arrangements to withdraw, and 
he told me no ; that he was going to see General Meade, and that I should wait 
until he should have consulted with him. Half or three-quarters of an hour 
afterwards I received a copy of a telegram to General White, Avho was acting 
as his chief of staff, with an indorsement on the back of the despatch to the 
effect that it should be submitted to the officers in the crater, or something to 
that effect, for their opinion as to how they should withdraw. Subsequently I 
started to go into the crater to consult with them, and I received an order from 
an aide-de-camp of General Burnside to report in person at his headquarters. 

Question. Was the time a fit one to withdraw, in your opinion 1 

Answer. The troops were not withdrawn at all. They were driven out by 
the enemy. 

Question. When did the chief loss of men occur ? 

Answer. The chief loss in my division occurred between half past six and 
ten o'clock in the morning. The heaviest loss was at the time that some of the 
troops of the 4th division (the colored division) met with a check and were re- 
pulsed. 

Question. Was it in the act of retiring from the crater ? 

Answer. More than half the prisoners I lost were lost in the crater. I should 
explain that I had very few men in the ci*ater ; that seeing how it was over- 
crowded, and that one or two regiments that attempted to pass through were 
lost among the other troops, I endeavored to get my troops out of there ; but 
when some of the other troops gave way, and the operation of General Fer- 
rero's troops was unsuccessful and they gave way, I had some stragglers forced 
into the crater. I suppose I had not more than two hundred men in there. 
My troops were holding the line to the right of that mostly. 

Question. By whom was this removal of the troops conducted I 

Answer. It was not conducted at all, sir. The circumstances were these : 
After we had received this order. General Burnside directed me to report at his 
headquarters. I went to his headquarters, met there the other division com- 
manders, and we consulted upon the best plan which should be adopted to with- 
draw the troops. I had previously sent out orders to connect my right with 
the crater by an intrenchment, if possible. While we were returning from this 
consultation an assault was made upon the crater, and the enemy recovered 
possession of it. Then all the troops were forced back to our line except two 
regiments that I had sent beyond the ravine to silence a battery, and these I 
withdrew about four o'clock in the afternoon. 
Rep. Com. 114—13 



194 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Do you know whether any troops misbehaved or disobeyed orders 
in any way, or at any time, during the action 1 

Answer. I do not know that I can answer that exactly. I know by tlie reports 
of my staff officers, and so forth. But I saw troops lying there when they had 
been ordered to go forward. Immediately after the mine exploded, probably 
within ten minutes, Colonel Pleasants, who had charge of the explosion, and 
whose regiment, having built the mine, being relieved from duty on that day, 
except as a sort of pro\ost guard wdth orders from the 9th army corps, had volun- 
teered as an aid on my staff, and as soon as the mine was exploded he rushed 
forward into the crater, and the troops were moving up ; and he reported to me 
that the troops could not be made to move forward ; that was, the troops of the 
1st division. He showed me his hand, which was blistered in driving them up. 
It was Marshall's brigade of Ledlie's division. 
By the court : 

Question. What tools were the engineer regiments supplied with ? 

Answer. Axes, spades, and picks. The engineer regiment, I think, was sup- 
plied particularly Avith axes to cut down the abatis. 

Question. Did they move forward 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did they destroy the abatis ? 

Answer. The cheraux-de-frise on the enemy's lines for two or three hundred 
yards was broken down. 

Question. Was there any difficulty in passing a brigade or regimental front 
over our intrenchments and on either side of that crater to the front ] 

Answer. It might have been done on the left, but not on the right. 

Question. What was the difficulty on the right? 

Answer. Tlie difficulty on the right was, that where you would have to form 
your troops you would have to pass through a wooded ravine and swamp. A 
heavy regiment which charged through in regimental front, I think, got very 
badly broken up. They would have succeeded better further to the right. 

Question. Where did you stay during the attack ? 

Answer. Most of the time I stayed on the hill on this side of the railroad — 
a point where you can see the ground. 

Question. Did all of your troops go into action ? 

Answer. My troops all went into action except my engineer regiment, which 
had just moved up to the front. 

Question. Did they all get as far as the crater % 
• Answer. All except one regiment got beyond the crater. 

Question. Did you ever go to the crater 1 

Answer. I never went to the crater myself. I was within about eighty yards 
of it — -just off to the right of it. 

Question. At the time your skirmish line was ordered up the hill, did any 
individual members of your division get to the top of the crest 'i 

Answer. I do not think there did. It was reported to me that some did, but 
having investigated it since, I am satisfied that they did not. 

The court adjourned to meet at ten o'clock on the 31st of July. 

NINTH DAY. 

Headuuarters Second Corps, 

August 31, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles ; and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocae. 

The proceedings of the eighth day were read and approved. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 195 

Brigadier General Edward Ferrero, United States volunteers, being duly 
sworn, to questions by judge advocate says: 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th of July, and what was your 
command ? 

Answer. I was ; commanding the 4th division of the 9th army corps, (colored 
troops.) 

Question. What was their formation for the attack? 

Answer. There was no formation, fui-ther than moving down in rear of the 
third division, as directed in the orders, by the flank in the covered way. 

Question. Was this the most judicious? 

Answer. It was the only formation that could be adopted under the circum- 
stances. 

Question. Please to state the circumstances 

Answer. There being no position to mass the troops. 

Question. Why was there no position ? 

Answer. On account of there being three other divisions in advance of irine, 
which would occupy all the available ground where my troops could have been 
formed. 

Question. What orders had you to piepare the parapet for the debouch of 
troops 1 

Answer. I had no orders whatever. 

Question. State some of the causes of the failure, if you regard it so. 

Answer. I do regard it as a failure. 

Question. State some of the causes, briefly. 

Answer. The failure of the 1st division to go forward immediately after the 
explosion. 

Question Do you attribute their halting and not going forward to misbehavior 
on their part ? 

Answer. Not being present there, that I could not say. In my opinion, there 
is no reason that I know of why they should not have gone forward. 

Question. State the reasons why you arrived at that conclusion. 

Answer. I would state that there could have been no obstructions whatever 
at that time, from the fact that the crater was crowded with troops, in and about 
it, when my division went through and passed over the obstacles, not only the 
obstacles occasioned by the explosion, but also the mass of troops in the crater. 
They went through and passed beyond those troops at a time when there was 
heavy flring ; whereas those troops that had gone forward on the lead could 
have gone forward with a very slight loss, in my opinion. I would state that, • 
in my opinion, the order of battle for the movements of troops on that day was 
extremely faulty. If I understand it right, the object to be attained was to gain 
the crest on Cemetery hill ; and to take advantage of the momentary paralyza- 
tion of the troops in and about the crater, caused by the explosion of the mine, 
it was necessary that the troops that made the assault should move with the 
utmost rapidity to gain that crest. I contend that the point of the assault was 
not properly selected to carry out that object ; that the obstructions which the 
explosion of the mine would naturally create would disorganize the troops and 
prevent them moving forward with the rapidity that was desired. Furthermore, 
I would state that the manner in Avhich the troops went in would not lead them 
to attain the object that was desired. The two divisions that followed the lead- 
ing division were to have protected the flanks of the same. Now, how could 
they protect the flank when the leading division, the head of that column, would 
hardly have reached the crest before the 2d division would have reached the 
crater, subjecting the 1st division to flank fires, and to be taken in reverse ? 
And even had the 3d division, which had the second position in column, have 
gotten through, it would have taken a long time before the 2d divi-iou, which 



196 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

was the third in column, couhl have reached its proper point to protect the right 
flank of the 1st division. I mean to convey the idea, that either other movements 
should have been made on the flank of the leading division, or that division 
should have been deployed to the right and left, engaging the enemy on the 
flank, so as to give the assaulting column an opportunity to advance rapidly to 
the crest of the hilL 
By the court : 

Question. How long was it after the explosion of the mine before the assault- 
ing column moved forward 1 

Answer. I was not with the leading division; therefore, I cannot give you 
the exact time, but it was very shortly after. 
By the jtfdge advocate : 

Question. State to the court how the 4th division, (colored troops,) your own 
command, conducted themselves on the occasion. 

Answer. I would state that the troops went in in the most gallant manner ; 
that they went in without hesitation, moved right straight forward, passed 
through the crater that was filled with troops, and all but one regiment of my 
division passed beyond the crater; the leadiiig brigade engaged the enemy at a 
short distance in rear of the crater, where they captured some two hundred 
odd prisoners and a stand of colors, and recaptured a stand of colors belonging 
to a white regiment of our corps. Here, after they had taken those prisoners, 
the troops became somewhat disorganized, and it was some little time before 
they could get them organized again to make a second attempt to charge the 
crest of the hill. About half an hour after that they made the attempt and 
were repulsed by a very severe and galling fire, and, 1 must say, they retreated 
in great disorder and confusion back to our first line of troops, where they were 
rallied, and there they remained during the rest of the day and behaved very 
well. I would add, that my troops are raw new troops, and never had been 
drilled two weeks from the day they entered the service till that day. 

Question, If your division had been the leading one in the assault, would 
they have succeeded in taking Cemetery hill ? 

Answer. I have not the slightest doubt, from the manner in which they went 
in under very heavy fire, that had they gone in in the first instance when the 
fire was comparatively light, they would have carried the crest of Cemetery 
bill beyond a doubt. 

By the court : 

Question. Did you go forward with your division ? 

Answer. I went to our first line of works, and there remained to see my com- 
mand go through. I would state, that I deemed it more necessary that I should 
see that they all went in than that I should go in myself, as there was no hesi- 
tation in their going forward whatever. I was at no time at a further distance 
than eighty or ninety yards from my division. 

Question. Where were you after they had all passed the crater, and were, as 
you say, at one time half an hour in reorganizing ? 

Answer. I was immediately in front of the crater on our front line of works. 
I would also state that one regiment was checked between the crater and our 
front line, unable to get through; and I was at that time making every efibrt 
to get that regiment through, with the intention of passing through myself aa 
soon as they got past, but it was impossible for me to do so from the crowded 
state of the troops that were there. 

Question. Were the obstructions in front of the first line of works of a charac- 
ter to admit the passage of a horseman or a piece of artillery, after the whole 
corps had passed ? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 197 

Answer. They would not admit of the passage of either, because the parapet 
of the rifle-pit had never been dug away. I was compelled to remove abatis 
on our own front, under fire, to get my command through by the flank. 

Brigadier General 0. B. Wilcox, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, 
says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you in a position to see the operation of the assault before 
Petersburg on the 30th July, and in what capacity 1 

Answer. I commanded tlie 3d division of the 9th army corps. At the time 
of the explosion of the mine I was at Romer's battery, just in rear of my second 
brigade, and in good position to observe the assault. 

Question. Do you regard the attack as a failure ? 

Answer. I do. 

Question. State some of the causes of it. 

Answer. The first and most obvious cause was the failure of the 1st division 
to go forward when there was no firing, for the fire of the enemy was suspended 
for iifteen to tAventy minutess. In the next place, I think that the troops that 
went in support of the leading division should have gone in almost simulta- 
neously with it, and should have gone to the right and left, avoiding the crater, but 
going near it, and then bearing down the enemy's works to the right and left, 
80 as to have prevented the enemy bringing flank and reverse fires to bear on 
the advancing columns. The order of attack stated that my division should wait 
until the 1st division had cleared the enemy's works. For that reason, of course, 
the three divisions could not have gone in simultaneojisly. It was the published 
order that prevented it in part. The attention of the enemy was not attracted 
to any other point than the crater. I consider that the third reason. Almost 
as soon as the enemy's first astonishment was over they concentrated an almost 
circular fire around the crater. Their field batteries came out in position on dif- 
ferent points on the Jei'usalem plank road and on Cemetery hill. They kept 
up a flank and reverse fire ; and a battery in the grove of trees on our right was 
so situated, the line bi the rebel works taking a direction a little re-entering, 
that almost as soon as they opened fire at all, they began to fire nearly in rear 
of the crater. I would say, that at the meeting in General Burnside's tent, when 
Generals Ord and Meade were present, I supposed it was intended that the two 
divisions following the leading division should move to the i-ight and left, and 
that the duty of the 9th corps was to clear the ground to enable the 18th corps 
to move forward. If that plan had been carried out, I think it would have been 
successful ; but I do not think that the temporary occupation of Cemetery hill 
by a small force would have insured the success of that attack. I think that 
ultimately they would have been driven out, unless we had a large force, two 
corps at least, to fight a battle at those works. Now, to go back to the inter- 
view which General Burnside had with his division commanders, where General 
Meade was present, it was a well-understood thing there that this was intended 
to be a surprise, and it was thought by all the generals, including General 
Meade himself, that, unless it should be a complete surprise, it would be a fail- 
ure ; and the written order which was published to the commanders did not 
fully, in fact did not substantially, give the order of attack as it was understood 
at this interview. I mean General Burnside's order of attack. At the time the 
matter was talked over I certainly understood that I was to move down and 
clear the enemy's works on the left, and then move up towards the Jerusalem 
plank road. The order stated that I would bear to the left and take a position 
on the Jerusalem plank road. 

Question. What preparations were made, and what orders were given, to pass 
troops over the parapet and through the enemy's works 1 t • i 

Answer. None but the written orders before the court. The ahatis, what 
was left of it when my division passed over, was no obstacle whatever. 



198 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Major General A. A. Humphreys, United States volunteers, chief of staff, 
being duly sworn, says to questions by the judge advocate : 

Question. Were you with General Meade during the assault on the 30th of 
July? 

Answer. I was. 

Question. What was the substance or language of a despatch which he re- 
ceived from Lieutenant Colonel Loring, assistant inspector general of the 9th 
corps, -but addressed to General Burnside, about 5.45 a. m. of that day 1 

Answer. The substance of the despatch was, that some of the troops there, I 
think Ledlie's division, were in the crater and would not go forward, and asking 
that some other division or some other troops should be sent to go forward to 
the crest. The main point with me, however, was, that his troops were in the 
crater, and Avere not going forward as they ought to have done. 

Question. Relate what passed at the interviews between General Burnside 
and Generals Grant and Meade after the former had been directed to withdraw 
the troops from the crater, and prior to the withdrawal of the troops. 

Answer. I recollect the directions to General Burnside, which were, that if 
he could not withdraw his troops with security during the day they should be 
withdrawn at night; that the best time for the withdraM'al of the troops he 
himself should be the judge of. My impression is that General Burnside did 
not wish to withdraw them. He certainly so expressed himself to me after 
General Meade left, for I did not leave the headquarters of General Burnside 
the same time as General Meade, but remained there a short time. I do not 
know whe'ther he so expressed himself to General Meade and General Grant or 
not. I thought I understood the conditions that existed there, and there was 
no question in my mind as to the necessity of withdrawing them. 

Question. Did you understand it to be his wish to maintain his position in 
the crater ? 

Answer. I did not pay much attention to what he said to General Meade and 
General Grant, but he so expressed himself to me afterwards ; but inasmuch as 
he stated no facts which put a different aspect on the condition of things, I did 
not consider that he gave very good reasons for his wish. He certainly differed 
from General Ord. 

Question. Did you hear General Ord give any opinion as to the probable suc- 
cess of carrying the crest if persisted in for a certain time ; and if so, what was it? 

Answer. I heard him then or before express the opinion that the time was 
past. He was averse to it. I did not pay so much attention to Avhat was said 
at that time, for the reason that the facts were well known, and the conclusions 
come to in regard to them. 

Question. Were you at the fourteen-gun battery, near which General Burnside 
had his temporary headquarters, on that day ? 

Answer. Yes, I rode out there; I think it was between 10 and 11 o'clock 
when I rode out there. I had been there before, and am somewhat familiar 
with the ground. 

Question. Could anything be seen from there with sufficient distinctness to 
have enabled the commanding general to give orders other than he did, from the 
point occupied by him ? 

Answer. I think not. I do not think it made any difference whether he was 
there, or whether he was at the point he occupied. In the gratification of a 
personal wish to see simply, he might have seen something more, but it would 
not have made any difference in the conclusions arrived at ; he would have un- 
derstood matters as thoroughly where he was as if he had seen them. 

Question. Ought the assault on that day to have been successful ? 

Answer. I think so ; I was confident that it would have been successful. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 199 

Brigadier General H. I. Hunt, United States volunteers, chief of artillery, 
army of the Potomac, bemg duly sworn, says, in answer to questions by iud^e 
advocate: j o b 

Question. Please to state in what capacity you were serving during the as- 
sault on the enemy's lines on the 30th July, and days preceding- it. 

Answer. I am chief of artillery of the army of the Potomac,°and had charge 
of the siege operations on this side of the Appomattox. 

Question. Helate briefly what arrangements were made for opposing the 
enemy's artillery fire on that occasion, and if they were successfully carried 
out. ^ 

Answer. Batteries that had been constructed several weeks preceding the 
assault had armaments placed in tliem, from the plank road to the Hare house; 
there were eighteen siege guns in the line, eighteen large mortars, and twenty- 
eight cohorns along in the lines in front, and some eighty field-pieces. The 
object was to silence the fire of the enemy's batteries in the redoubt which 
formed their salient on the plank road, and especially all of their guns which 
bore upon the ground in front of the mine. The fire w^as opened immediately 
upon the explosion of the mine, and was very successful in keeping down the 
enemy's fire. 

Question. Was the enemy's artillery fire formidable, and particularly directed 
to the point of our assault, after the explosion of the mine ? 

Answer. The fire did not become very formidable; it was almost entirely 
silenced soon after it -opened, with the exception of one gun in a battery next 
to the mine, and a battery on the crest beyond the mine, and a few guns that 
were used by the enemy on our right of the mine, towards the railroad. The 
gun that was in the work next the mine was so placed that it was protected 
from all direct fire, and a sufficient number of mortars could not be brought to 
bear upon it to stop it. No large mortars had been placed to control that bat- 
tery, as, according to the plan of assault, that work might reasonably be sup- 
posed to fall into our hands within ten or fifteen minutes after the explosion; all 
the guns in that battery were silenced, however, excepting that one. The bat- 
tery on the crest of the hill directly in front of the mine was almost shut up after 
firing two or three rounds, as we had some heavy guns bearing on it, and a 
number of field guns. I was not where I could see the fire from our right of the 
mine. I had Colonel Monroe in chai ge there, and he reported that the fire was 
pretty well kept down. On the left they occasionally fired a shot. 

Question. Under the circumstances, then, ought not the assault have suc- 
ceeded 1 

Answer. I think so ; that is, so far as it depended upon us. I do not know 
what the enemy had behind the crest ; the object was to take the crest. 

Question. Have you formed any opinion as to the causes of the failure of the 
assault on that occasion 1 

Answer. I do not know what other causes might have existed, but I attributed 
the failure to the want of promptitude in pusliing forward assaulting columns 
immediately on the explosion of the mine. I believed, from the first, that if that 
were not done promptly the attack would probably fail. 

Question. Was the enemy's fire directed upon the point of attack very formi- 
dable at any time, so as to prevent reasonably resolute troops from pushing 
or ward] _ , , . 

Answer. I think not ; certainly not within the period within which their 
advance should have taken place. 



200 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Lieutenant "W. H. Beuyaurd, United States engineers, being duly sworn 
says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you present at tbe assault on the rebel lines on the 30th 
July, and in what capacity ? 

. Answer. I was with General Burnside on that morning. I was sent by Major 
Duane to report to him for duty as an engineer. 

Question. Were you in a situation then to see the progress of events on that 
day? 

Answer. Not all the time; a portion of the time I was with Genei*al Burnside 
at his headquarters, and then, afterwards, I was at different points along the 
front. I was not in such a position that I could see everything that was 
going on. 

Question. Were there working parties for the assaulting columns, and engi- 
neer officers to lead them ? 

Answer. Not that I know of. 

Question. No arrangements had been made with you by General Burnside 
for anything of that sort ? 

Answer. No, sir ; not previous to the assault. 

Question. Do you know if any arrangements were made for the debouch of 
our troops from our lines, and their passage over the enemy's ? 

Answer. No, sir; General Burnside did not give me any instructions in regard 
to taking away the abatis or the rifle-pit on the front line. 

Question. Were the obstructions on the enemy's line formidable, and of what 
did they consist ? 

Answer. They had a pretty strong abatis in front of their rifle-pits. 

Question. Could they have been removed by working parties that usually ac- 
company assaulting columns ? 

Answer. I did not go near enough to the crater along that line to judge ot 
that, although it appeared to be merely the usual abatis placed in front of, works, 
and placed in the usual position. 

Question. Did you see the explosion of the mine .? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Was its effect to clear for any distance, and if so how much, the 
enemy's parapets ? 

Answer. Only a portion of the parapet was blown down; a portion of it re- 
mained standing. 1 suppose the crater that was formed might have been forty 
or fifty yards long, and perhaps twenty wide. 

Question. Was the breach sufficient and practicable for the passage of troops 
in line 1 

Answer. I did not go in to look at the crater, and consequently I could not 
say whether they could go in without further work being done or not. 1 could 
not tell how deep it was. 

Question. As an engineer would you criticise that point of attack? 

Answer. I had been there working on that front before, and I had frequently 
expressed the opinion that the enemy could bring a flank fire all along there. 
That is, their line formed a kind of re-entering there. 

Question. Did you ever chance to hear why that point was selected, or do 
you know? 

Answer. I did hear that that mine was made because that hollow in front 
was a good position to run a mine from. 

Question. State briefly some of the causes, in your opinion, of the failiire of 
the assault. 

Answer. I think one cause was the way in which the troops were taken in by 
the flank, passed down these covered ways, one on the right and the other on 
the left, on which General Ferrero's troops went down. I understand that only 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 201 

a portion of our parapet was taken away, and the troops had to go throixgh by 
the flank instead of advancing in line. The portion of the ground south of the 
covered way was the way along which the troops could have advanced in line, 
the railroad cut being only six feet high in one place. The troops could easily 
have advanced through that. The troops were not in their proper positions at 
tlie time of the assault ; that is, a portion of the troops were away back beyond 
the edge of those woods, when they should have been in the hollow. 

By the court : 

Question. Had you been placed in charge of a proper working party, suitably 
equipped, could you not, immediately after the explosion of the mine, have 
levelled the enemy's parapets so as to have allowed troops in line of battle to 
have passed through? 

Answer. I think I could. When the enemy afterwards had a flank fire be- 
tween the enemy's line and ours, I offered to General Burnside to run a covered 
way from our line to the enemy's line on the right and left of the crater. (Lines 
marked on map 66 a and a'.) 
By the judge advocate : 

Question. Would any advantage have ensued from simply holding the crater 
without advancing further ? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not think so. 
By the court : 

Question. Were there any preparations made in the way of collecting gabions 
and so forth, so that if the troops had been successful we could have crowned 
the crest ? 

Answei*. No, sir, not that I know of. 

Question. Were tools collected or used, picks, shovels, axes, &€.] 

Answer, I did not see any. 

The court adjourned, to meet at ten o'clock on the 1st of September. 

Record of the court of inquiry instituted by Sjjecial Orders No. 258, 1864, 
War Department. 

Page. 

Testimony of Brigadier General O. B. Wilcox, (recalled,) U. S. Vols 199 

Brigadier General S. G. Grifiin, U. S. Vols 200 

Brigadier General J. F. Hartrauft, U. S. Vols 205 

" Surgeon O. P. Chubb, 20th Michigan Vols 210 

Colonel H. G. Thomas, U. S. Colored Troops 216 

Colonel C. S. Russell, 28th U. S. Colored Troops 223 

" Brigadier General A. Ames, U. S. Vols 227 

Colonel H. L. Abbot, 1st Connecticut Arttillery, 234 

Brigadier General G. Mott, U. S. Vols 237 

Major J. C. Duane, (recalled,) U. S. Engineers 240 

" Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Barnes, 29th Massachusetts Vols. 241 

Lieutenant Colonel G. B. Robinson, 3d Maryland Battery. 245 

Major G. M. Randall, 14th New York Heavy Artillery. 248 

Lieutenant Colonel J. A. Monroe, 1st Rhode Island Artillery. 251 

Captain T. Gregg, 45th Pennsylvania Vols 253 

Surgeon H. S. Smith, 27th Michigan Vols 256 

Brigadier General J. C. Carr, U. S. Vols 260 

Captain F. N. Farquhar, U. S. Engineers 265 

Lieutenant A. A. Shedd, 43d U. S. Colored Troops 274 

" Captain E. T. Raymond, 36th Massachusetts Vols 275 



202 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG, 



TENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

Septemher 1, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Greuerals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 9th day were read and approved. 

General Wilcox recalled. 
By the judge advocate : 

Question. In your testimony yesterday you stated that at the time of the ex- 
plosion of the mine you were at Homer's battery. Where were you the rest of 
the time 1 

Answer. Immediately after the explosion I started for the head of my column, 
which was on the left and in the rear of the first division. I arrived at the front 
line of works nearest the crater before the whole of the first division had crossed. 
The head of my column had already commenced moving for the crater, and was 
then occupying the left portion of the enemy's "works. 

By the court : 

Question. You stated that General Burnside's order directed that your divi- 
sion should bear to the l(;ft and take up a position on the Jerusalem plank road. 
What was the cause of the failure to execute this maneuvre? 

Answer. The first division was to move on Cemetery hill. I would state that 
Cemetery hill bore rather to the right of my front, so that it was necessary that 
Cemetery hill should be occupied before any ground beyond it could be occu- 
pied. In pursuance of my original expectation I had given orders that the lead- 
ing regiment should turn down to the left in the line of works, and the 27th 
Michigan started down that line. As soon as General Burnside perceived that 
the first division was not moving forward, he sent me orders to move forward 
my division direct upon Cemetery hill. My idea was to carry out the spirit of 
what was understood the day before, and my plan was to throw the whole divi- 
sion on the left into line, so that the right would rest on the Jerusalem plank 
road ; and that would have completely protected the flank of the first division. 
This movement was begun, but the commanding officer of the 27th Michigan 
was shot, and the way the first division moved forward by division created more 
or less confusion : and by the time I received the order to advance on Cemetery 
hill, or before that, in fact, the enemy had concentrated such a fire that we 
could not advance any further. 

Brigadier General S. G. Griffin, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, 
says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th of July, and what was your 
command ? 

Answer. I was at the assault ; my command was the second brigade, second 
division, (General Potter's,) 9th army corps. 

Question. Did you regard that assault as a failure ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, I think I should, because we did not hold the ground. 

Question. State some of the causes that you attribute this to. 

Answer. In the first place I should say that the troops in the front did not 
advance exactly as they should, nor as far as they should. Probably the best 
ground was not selected. Then the cause of our not holding the ground was 
the piling in of so many troops in certain parts of the ground, where there was 
no room for them, and a panic having seized those troops caused the disaster. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 203 

The enemy concentrated all their fire upon that point as soon as we attacked, 
which Avas another great reason, no doubt. We received their fire at that 
point from all directions, and very soon after we first arrived there it was a very 
sharp fire. 

Question, Why were all the troops directed to that point ] 

Answer. I do not know. 

Question. Do you think that arrangement was faulty] 

Answer. The execution of the plan seemed to be faulty. 

Question. AVere any arrangements made for passing the troops through the 
abatis of our line, and over the parapet in front of the enemy's ] 

Answer. For my part, in my brigade I had a pioneer corps and skirmishers 
to clear the way for them. 

Question. Did your command go beyond the crater? 

Answer. It did. 

Question. About how ftir ? 

Answer. I should judge two hundred yards. It might be more, or it might 
be less. It could not have been much less, however; that is, as near as I can 
judge. 

Question. Why did you retire 1 

Answer. My troops were driven back from that point. They afterwards re- 
tired from the crater under orders. They were driven back from the advanced 
position at the time the panic seized the negroes, which more or less affected all 
our troops, and the negroes rushing through them as they did, carried them 
back. The rebels made a very desperate attack at the same time. 

Question. If the enemy's parapets had been levelled on each side of the crater, 
or made practicable for the passage of troops, what would have been the proba- 
ble result? 

Answer. I am not sure that I can tell what the result would have been. 
Probably the troops might have advanced more readily and with more force, 
but it was not a thing easy to do. 

Question. Do you know anything that prevented the troops, having attained 
the crater, from going forward immediately to the crest of Cemetery hill 1 

Answer. Nothing more than the sharp fire from the enemy. 

Question. What kind of fire ? 

Answer. All kinds. I would state here that there is another reason why my 
troops could not go forward. The ground where they were was broken up 
with covered ways and numerous rifle pits of the rebels. We had just driven 
the rebels out, and my troops occupied their places ; therefore, in that position, 
disconnected as many of them were, it was difficult and almost impossible to 
form them to make a direct charge ; but if a column had moved further to the 
left, I did not see any reason why they should not have gone in. 

Question. Suppose you had had working parties to level the works, those 
working parties being supplied with fascines and other necessary preparations 
to render a passage practicable; could you not have gone forward then? 

Answer. I do not think there was time for that work. It would have taken 
hours. I think the time to go forward was at the first, because, very soon after 
we went there, the enemy concentrated their troops and poured into us at that 
point a terrible fire from every quarter. 

Question. The great mistake, then, was the halting of the troops in the crater i 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Whose troops were they ? 

Answer. General Ledlie's division.' 

Question. Could the troops have gone over the enemy's parapets on the Ictt 
of the crater in line of battle immediately after the explosion of the mme i 

Answer. I think they could, but I could nol say positively, because my atten- 
tion was directed more particularly to the right of the crater. 



204 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Could they have done it on tlie right? 

Answer. No, sir, on account of those numerous cross-lines and pits and cov- 
ered ways, which were full of the enemy's troops even after we arrived there. And 
others kept pouring in in addition to 'hose that were already there. 

Question. When the troops retired from the crater, was it compulsory from 
the enemy's operations, or by orders from your commander ?] 

Answer. Partly both. We retired because we had orders. At the same time 
a column of troops came up to attack the crater, and we retired instead of stop- 
ping to fight. This force of the enemy came out of a ravine, and we did not 
see them till they appeared on the rising ground immediately in front of us. 

Question. Where was your position during the contest 1 

Answer. I went up with my brigade, and while we were there I was most of 
the time in the crater, or near it with my troops all the time. 

Question. What was the force that came out to attack you — the force that 
■was exposed in the open 1 

Answer. Five or six hundred men were all that we could see. I did not see 
either the right or left of the line. I saw the centre of the line as it appeared 
to me. It was a good line of battle. Probably, if we had not been under 
orders to evacuate, we should have fought them and tried to hold our position; 
but, according to the orders, we withdrew. 

Brigadier General J. F. Hartrauft, United States volunteers, being duly- 
sworn, says to questions by judge advocate :' 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th of July, and what was your 
command? 

Answer. I was there ; my command was the first brigade of the third divi- 
sion (General Wilcox's) of the 9th corps. 

Question. Did you regard the attack as a failure ? 

Answer. I did. 

Question. What, in your opinion, were some of the causes of that failure? 

Answer. The massing of the troops in the crater, where they could not be 
used with any effect. I think that the troops, instead of being sent to the 
crater, should have been sent to the right and left, so as to have moved in line 
of battle, when they coi;ld have advanced in some kind of shape ; but after 
they came into the crater, in the confusion they were in, other troops being 
brought up only increased the confusion, and by that time the enfilading fire of 
the enemy's artillery and infantry had become very annoying, which also made 
it very difficult to rally and form the troops. 

Question. Do you know any reasons why the troops did not go to the right 
and left of the crater ? Were there any physical obstacles to prevent them ? 

Answer. No, I think troops could have been sent there. The second brigade 
of my division was sent to the left of the crater. They took a portion of the 
pits. If a vigorous attack had been made on the right and left of the crater, I 
think the enemy's pits could have been taken without any difficulty, and the 
line occupied. . 

Question. What was the formation of your command in moving forward ? 

Answer. I formed my command, which was immediately in rear of the first 
division, (which was the assaulting division,) in one or two regiments front. I 
put two small regiments together ; and my instructions were, after I passed 
through the crater with my advance, to form to the left of the first division, 
protecting its left flank while they were advancing, and form my line as the 
regiments would come up, so as to form a line of battle on the left of the first 
division. 

Question. If the troops that first went into the crater had not delayed there, 
could they not, considering the consternation that the explosion of the mine 
made in the enemy's camp, have got forward to the crest of Cemetery hill? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 205 

Answer. I think they could have moved up to that creat immediately, if 
they had made no halt at all, under the consternation of the enemy. I think 
they would have had to re-enforce them speedily in order to hold that hill. 

Question. The re-enforcements were there, were they not 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And there was nothing to prevent that result 1 

Answer. I have thought, sometimes, that it would have been difficult to have 
sent troops through the crater in sufficient force to sustain the first division in 
advance on that hill ; that the troops would have had, after all, to have been 
sent to the right and left of the crater, because very soon after I was in the 
crater myself the enemy were seen on the hill about the position we were to 
take, and was moving troops to the right. A dozen rebels were seen in the 
corn-field. My brigade moved right on after the first division, and after my 
fourth regiment had gone forward I went forward myself to the crater. The 
fifth regiment was then ordered forward, and was going up. 

Question. Did you remain till the troops retired 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did they retire in confusion 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Driven out 1 

Answer. They were driven out at the same time that I had passed the word 
to retire. It was a simultaneous thing. When they saw the assaulting column 
within probably one hundred feet of the works, I passed the word as well aa it 
could be passed, for everybody to retire, and I left myself at that time. Gene- 
ral Griffin and myself were together at that time. The order to retire we had 
indorsed to the effect that we thought we could not withdraw the troops that 
were there on account of the enfilading fire over the ground between our rifle 
pits and the crater without losing a great portion of them, that ground being 
enfiladed with artillery and infantry fire. They had at that time brought their 
infantry down along their pits on both sides of the crater, so that their sharp- 
shooters had good range, and were in good position. Accordingly we requested 
that our lines should open with artillery and infantry, bearing on the right and 
left of the crater, under which fire we would be able to withdraw a greater por- 
tion of the troops, and, in fact, every one that could get away. While we werb 
waiting for the approval of that indorsement, and the opening of the fire, this 
assaulting column of the enemy came up, and we concluded — General Griffin 
and myself— that there was no use in holding it any longer, and so we retired. 
By the court : 

Question. What was the fault owing to — owing to the orders that were 
given, or to the execution of those orders 1 Was it that the plan was bad, or 
that the troops or their commanders behaved badly 1 

Answer, Kot being familiar with all the orders and arrangements, I could 
not say. So far as my own command was concerned, we did all that we' 
could do. 

Question. Could you have been ordered to have done it in a better way ? 

Answer, I think if they had gone forward in line of battle it would have 
been successful, I consulted with General Bartlett and General Griffin and 
Colonel Humphreys, and we were all of the opinion that no more troops should 
be sent to the crater. After that the colored division passed right through the 
crater while Ave were in it. 

Question. How did those colored troops behave ? 

Answer. They passed to the front just as well as any troops ; but they were 
certainly not in very good condition to resist an attack, because m passmg 
through the crater they got confused ; their regimental and company organiza- 
tion was completely gone. 



206 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. What general officers were in or about the crater on the enemy's 
line during all tins time ? 

Ansvver. General Griffin, General Bartlett and myself, of the 9th corps, and 
the general commanding the division of the 10th corps that was there, (General 
Turner.) I did not see any others, although there might have been others there. 

Surgeon 0. P. Chubb, 20th Michigan volunteers, 9th corps, being duly SAvorn,. 
says to questions by judge advocate: 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th of July ] 

Answer. I was. 

Question. State what you did there. 

Answer. I accompanied the 2d brigade, of the 3d division of the 9th corps, 
across the ravine, and up to within about ten rods of our breastworks, at the 
point where the troops passed through immediately after the explosion of the 
mine. I took position in a bomb-proof, which had been used as some regimental 
headquarters, and remained there for the purpose of dressing wounded. This 
bomb-proof is located at a point about ten rods in rear of our line. Shortly 
after I took up that position. Generals Ledlie, of the 1st division, and Ferrero, 
of the 4th, came up to the front of the bomb-proof, and shortly afterward came 
in and took seats. This was in the morning, about half an hour after the ex- 
plosion of the mine. That was some time before the colored troops came up. 
The 3d division (General Wilcox's) was then lying in a little dip of the 
ground — lying flat upon the ground to avoid shelling at that point, and General 
Ledlie's troops, of the 1st division, had crossed over our breastworks and gone 
over to the fort immediately after the explosion. I saw them go up. I was 
where I could see the explosion and the movement of the troops as they passed 
over the space between our works and the fort. Our division and our brigade 
of that division remained in that position for some time. General Ledlie came 
there and sat down in front of the place where I was ; remained there some 
little time, and afterwards went inside and sat down. I could not tell how long, 
but not a great length of time after, because General Ferrero came in. His 
troops were then lying in the covered way and on the flat. They had not yet 
come up to go into action. While things were in that position, our 3d division 
made a move, charged over the works, some of them went to the fort, and some, 
I believe, came back. Then General Ferrero had brought his division up to 
that point, and seemed to be waiting for some orders or movement. General 
Ledlie received orders in my hearing to move his troops forward from where 
they were then lying. The order came something like this, as near as I can 
recollect : " The general wishes you to move your troops forward to the crest 
of the hill, and hold it." To the best of my recollection, that was the meaning 
of the order at least, and, I think, very near the words. I do not know whom 
the order came from. It was brought by an officer, and I supposed that " the 
general" meant General Burnside. General Ledlie despatched an aid or some 
other officer to order that done. Then, shortly afterwards, came an order to 
General Ferrero to move his division through, and charge down to the city. 
He replied that he would do so "as soon as those troops were out of the way." 
He did not designate what troops, so that I understood "those troops" meant 
the troops that were already there. But this order came two or three times, 
and the last time it came the order was peremptory " to move his troops for- 
ward at once." His answer to the order always was, that he would do so as 
soon as "those troops" v.'ere out of the way; and whenever General Ferrero 
made that answer. General Ledlie sent an aid to order the troops out of the 
way, and see that it was done, so that it became my impression that it was his 
troops that were in the way. These two general officers were in the bomb-proof 
with me. General Ledlie's troops were in the crater, and General Ferrero's 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 207 

were in the rear. After General Ferrero received this last peremptory order, he 
went out ; General Ledlie went out with hira, and the colored troops commenced 
moving past the door of the bomb-proof— as it was in the track that troops 
took — and moved up ; and I stepped out, and saw them go over our works just 
in front of where General Ledlie's division passed over. Then they passed out 
of sight of where I was standing ; but in a very short time I heard they were 
coming back ; and sure enough, they poured down all along in that vicinity, 
with a good many white troops mixed with them. About that time General 
Ferrero returned. I am not positive whether General Ledlie returned or not, 
and in answer to somebody who asked hira how the battle was going. General 
Ferrero said we had lost everything, or something to that effect ; that we were 
repulsed. He said it was nonsense to send a single body of troops, colored or 
white, forward at one single place, in front of lines held by us, to throw them 
in the face of a re-enforced enemy, or an enemy who had opportunities to bring 
other forces to bear. General Ferrero said he thought his division was need- 
lessly slaughtered. 

By the court : 

Question. Did you see General Ledlie when his division advanced ? 

Answer, No, sir, I did not. Our division was lying in the covered way at 
the point in our first line of works about opposite the fourteen-gun battery, as 
it is called, and I had passed up the line of the hill to the crest, where I looked 
over the breastwork and saw those troops move forward, but 1 could not see 
everything distinctly, because there was considerable distance across the ravine 
or hollow to his division. 

Question. Was there any conversation between those generals and yourself, 
while they were in the bomb-proof, bearing on this subject 1 

Answer. I asked General Ledlie, soon after he came in, if his division had 
been properly supported. The reason of my asking it was that I thought I 
heard some remark of his that led me to think it had not been, and, besides, I 
myself was entirely in the tlark in regard to the delay; and so I asked him if 
his division had been properly supported as it Avas intended, and he said it had. 

Question. Did you hear him give any reason for the division halting 1 

Answer. No, sir. From the eflbrts he made to have them ordered forward 
somewhere, I judged that it was conti-ary to his expectation that they did lialt. 
He frequently sent up aids to have them moved forward somewhere, and from 
the order that came to him I supposed it was to the crest of the hiil. The aid 
who brought the order said : " The general wishes you to move forward to the 
crest of the hill." 

Question. Do you know any reason why he was not with his troops himself ? 

Answer. No, sir. But during almost the last moments of his stay there he 
sent an aid to ascertain how things were going on, and remarked that he could 
not go himself, as he had been hurt in the side by a spent ball. I cannot state 
positively when this occurred ; it seemed to be after I first saw him ; but 1 rec- 
ollect his having mentioned that fact quite late in the forenoon, nearly noon, for 
the first time. I have a strong impression that he came back there after Gen- 
eral Ferrero's troops moved forAvard, but I could not say so positively. 

Colonel H. G. Thomas, 19th United States colored troops, being duly SAvorn, 
says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th of July, and what was your 
command 1 

Answer. I was at the assault on the 30th of July, and commanded the sec- 
ond brigade, fourth division, 9th corps, (colored troops.) 

Question. What was the formation of your troops in going to the assault 1 



208 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer-. The formation was by file left in front, which brought us faced hy 
the rear rank when we made the charge. 

Question. The head of your troops struck the enemy's line where ? 

Answer. I forced my brigade around the right of the crater, contrary to or- 
ders, because the crater was so full that no man could get through ; that is, I 
left two staff officers to force them through. I went straight to the front and 
filed to the right, and went into these rifle-pits in the enemy's line as far as the 
head of the first brigade of our division, wiiich I was ordered to support. 

Question. Did you get beyond the line of the crater with your troops ? 

Answer. I did, sir. 

Question. How far ? 

Answer. I should say about between three and four hundred yards to the 
right of the crater, and in front of it. I was ordered to support the first brig- 
ade when it made its charge. 

Question. Did you get beyond the enemy's line ? 

Answer. I did, sir; I led a charge which was not successful. The moment 
I reached the head of the first brigade I started out the 31st colored regiment, 
Avhich was in front, but it lost its three ranking oflicers in getting in position, 
and did nut go out well. 

Question. What, in your opinion, were some of the causes of the failure of 
the general assault on that day ? 

Answer. So far as I can judge from my own stand-point, my tatter inability 
to make a decent charge with my own brigade was the fact that the pits, into 
which we were sent, were entirely occupied by dead and dying rebel troops, and 
our own from the first division of our corps. General Ledlie's. There was no 
room for us to move up. We were delayed, I should think, an hour and a half, 
in the covered way through which we moved, from the fact, so far as 1 can learn, 
that the first division did not make the charge. We were to occupy the pits 
after they made the charge. 

Question. Do you know why the first division did not go forward ? 

Answer. I do not, sir. 

Question. Did you see any of the appliances for overcoming obstacles that 
usually accompany troops — working parties with tools 1 

Answer. 1 saw no such preparations to remove obstacles in the enemy's line. 
I had no such assistance. 

Question. Do you think the mode of marching up your command was a 
judicious one — the form, I mean ? 

Answer. No, sir; it was injudicious, for two reasons : First, we moved up 
by the flank ; that I consider injudicious. And, secondly, we were ordered up 
left in front, which made us face by the rear rank, which was not a satisfactory 
way of manoeuvring. 

Question. Was it a verbal or a written order ; and by whom was it issued ? 

Answer. It was a verbal order, issued by General Ferrero about eleven 
o'clock on the night before. The order to me that night was to go up by 
division, follow the first brigade, and to move left in front. But early in the 
morning I learned from a staff officer, whom I sent out to tell me when the first 
brigade moved, that it was filing along the covered way. My instructions were 
to follow the first brigade. 1 was detained at least an hour and a half in the 
covered way by the troops in front, and by the order of the assistant inspector 
general of the corps. He finding the pits into which we were to go full of 
troops, suspended the other order until he could see General Burnside. 

Question. How did your particular command retire from the front ? 

Answer. In confusion. 

Question. Driven ? 

Answer. Driven back by a charge of the enemy. 

Question. And not by any orders ? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 209 

Answer. No, sir; they received no orders. They were ordered to stop by 
myself and all my staff, who were in tlie pits. When I got into this position 
on the right of the crater, the fire was very severe; there was also a very 
severe enfilading fire from the right. I attempted one charge, without success, 
the moment I reached there. I could not get more than fifty men out. I sent 
word^to General Burnside by Major Van Buren, of his staff— as he was the only 
staff'oflicer I saw in the pita except my own — that unless a movement was 
made to the right, to stop the enfilading fire, not a man could live to reach the 
crest ; but that 1 should try another charge in ten minutes, and hoped I would 
be supported. In about eight minutes 1 received a written order from General 
Ferrero in pretty near these words : " Colonels Siegfried and Thomas, com- 
manding first and second brigades : If you have not already done so, you will 
immediately proceed to take the crest in your front." It was signed in the 
ordinary official manner : " By order of General Ferrero. George A. Hicks, 
captain and assistant adjutant general." I cannot produce that order, because I 
destroyed it when I was captured in Petersburg. Colonel Siegfried had, I 
think, already received it, as he was in the crater. I sent word to Colonel 
Siegfried's brigade on my right, where I supposed the colonel to be, that I was 
about to charge ; that we should go over with a yell, and that I hoped to be 
supported. I went over with two regiments and part of a third, but I was 
driven back. The moment they came back the white troops in the pits all left, 
and they after them. I was not supported at all in my charge. 

Question. Where was the division commander all this time 1 

Answer. I do not know. When I Avent up with my brigade he was in a 
bomb-proof on the left, with the commanding officer of the first division. 
Generals Wilcox, Ledlie, and Ferrero were in the bomb-proof on the left. 

Question. Was the bomb-proof a good place to see what was going on 1 

Answer. No, sir ; there were places near there where something could be seen, 
but the earth about the crater prevented almost anything being seen immediately 
to the left of it. The dirt was thrown up very high. There were, I think, 
however, places near there where a view could be got. 

Question. From what you know of affairs that day, is it your opinion that 
the assault ought to have been successful if the troops engaged in it had 
performed their duty 1 

Answer. Going up so late as I did, I am not a good judge, but I think from 
what I could see at the late hour at which I got in, that if the division that 
went in first had gone ahead, there is no question of our taking the crest on 
that ridge,' Cemetery hill, hardly with the loss of a man. We waited in the 
covered way over an hour, with almost no musketry on our right. We were 
detained ; there we could not get up. 
By the court : 

Question. Did you ever go over that ground afterwards 1 

Answer. I did, sir. 

Question. Under what circumstances 1 

Answer. I went over it two days afterwards, the 1st of August, when the 
flag of truce was out. 

Question. Did you see anything in the nature of the enemy's defences that 
would change the opinion you formed on the day of the assault 1 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did you see any obstacles in the nature of the ground 1 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did you have an opportunity of seeing what the enemy had on the 
top of Cemetery hill 1 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not have an opportunity of seenig just what they 
might have had there. 

Question. Did you see any works there ? 
Rep. Com. 114 14 



210 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEKSBURG. 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not tliink there were any. 

Question. How did the colored troops behave? 

Answer. They went up as well as I ever saw troops go up — well closed, 
perfectly enthusiastic. They came back very badly. They came back on a 
run, every man for himself. It is but justice to the line officers to say, that 
more than two-thirds of them were shot ; and to the colored troops, that the 
white troops were running back just ahead of thom. 

Colonel Charles S. Russell, 28th United States colored troops, being duly 
sworn, says to questions by the judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And what was your command 1 

Answer. I was a lieutenant colonel, commanding six companies of the 28th 
United States colored troops, Thomas's brigade of Ferrero's division. 

Question. Did yciir command participate in the assault ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. We left the covered way to make the assault before eight 
o'clock, and ten minutes after eight part of my regiment with two others went 
over the outside of the enemy's line into what seemed to be a covered way be- 
yond, to go to Cemetery hill. Mine was to have been third in order, but it 
became second. 

Question. How far in advance did you get toward Cemetery hill? 

Answer. Not exceeding fifty yards. We were driven back. 

Question. By what? 

Answer. I should judge by about from two to four hundred men, infantry, 
which rose up from a little ravine and charged us. Being all mixed up and in 
confusion, and new troops, we had to come back. 

Question. Do you think you could have maintained yourself in that position 
if you had been supported by troops that were known to have been in the crater 
at that time ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not think we could, considering our condition. There 
Were no two companies together ; the officers were shot down, and the troops 
were very much dispirited. They were all in there just as thick as they could 
possibly stick. The orders were to advance and take the crest of that hill at 
once, and I went right over Avith all the men I could gather, supposing that all 
the rest would follow. Not more than 150 or 200 men out of the three regi- 
ments went outside. 

Question. Did your troops sustain a good deal of loss in that affair? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I lost nearly half, and seven officers out of eleven. 

By the court: 

Question. Do you think that if you had advanced on the right or left of the . 
crater, where the ground was more practicable, you would have done better ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I think that if we had gone up there an hour before we 
could have carried the crest, for there was but little musketry fire at that time. 

Question. Where were you during that interval 1 

Answer. In the covered way, in rear of a battery of 4^-inch guns. 

Question. Was the division commander around there? 

Answer. The division commander was at the head of the division. I saw 
him when we went into the crater. I passed him and spoke to him. He was 
then on the left of the first line of rifle-pits built by our people. I mean the 
most advanced line of rifle-pits. 

Question. What did Colonel Siegfried's brigade do? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 211 

Answer. That brigade, instead of going into the crater, a< n.nw a-5 I can tell, 
seemed to file to the right ; at least that was my impression. 
Question. Did they go over the enemy's breastworks ? 
Answer. I do not know, sir. My impression is that they did not. 
Question. I mean the breastworks of which the crater was a continuation. 
Answer. No, sir ; I do not think they did. 

By the judge advocate: 

Question. Did you form any opinion as to the cause of that failure ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What was it ? 

Answer. Delay. It was Lieutenant Generiil Grant who moved us up, about 
5 o'clock — for we had not started from our bivouac in those woods at 5 o'clock. 
General Grant rode up and asked what brigade that was, and what it was doing 
there. That was some time after the explosion of the mine and the cannon- 
ading had commenced. General Grant told us to move on. The order was not 
given to me directly; it was given to Colonel Thomas. Then we moved into 
the covered way and remained there till 8 o'clock. 

The court adjourned, to meet at 11 o'clock on the 2d September. 

ELEVENTH DAY. 

September 2, 1SG4. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: Major General Hancock, Brigadiers General Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 10th day were read and approved. 

Brigadier General A. Ames, United States volunteers, being sworn, says iu 
answers to q^uestions by judge advocate: 

Question. "Were you present at the assault on the 30th day of July, and 
what was your command 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I was present where I could see the last part of it. I 
had a division of the ISth army corps. 

Question. Did your troops experience any interference from the 9th corps in 
moving into position in rear on that occasion ] 

Answer. Not directly. My division was a support. I understood from the 
commanding officer' of the corps that my troops were held in reserve for any 
emergency that might arise, or a battle that might be fought after we had taken 
possession of the heights, and at no time were my troops further advanced 
than the woods in rear of our own works. At one time I was ordered to take 
my division in to support General Turner's. The idea was that he was to ad- 
vance, and I was to carry my division in on his right, being careful not to get 
in in advance of him, so as to have his left flank interfered with. Upon re- 
ceiving the order I understood that I was expected to move to the front through 
the covered way, but I found that there was still a brigade of General Turner's 
division in reserve, and as I passed through the covered way I saw that it was 
blocked up by one of General Turner's brigades. As it was intended that i 
should go to the front with my troops, I first went to^see what kind ot ground 
I was to pass over, and found that the covered way was blocked up by troops, 
as well as in some places by wounded coming to the rear, and in otliers by 
men carrying ammunition to the front. When I got to our most advanced po- 
sition beyond the creek or bottom, I found that General Turner had a brigade 
massed there, and that there were evidently more troops in front than could be 
well handled. I had a conversation with General Turner, and the state ot at- 



212 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

fairs was sucli that we thought it desirable that General Orel, from whom we 
received our orders, should know that it was impossible for us to move to the 
front at once, going down througli the covered way, as he intended that we 
should. I immediately wrote a note to General Ord, requesting him to come 
down to the front and see the state of affairs for himself, otherwise his orders 
would probably not be obeyed. I went to the rear and found him and came 
down to the front with him; and he then decided that our troops, at least that 
my division, should not move forward. 

Question. Were the arrangements that were made for the passage of troops 
through the abatis near the parapet to go to the front adequate ? 

Answer. I think not. I did not examine it in particular, but I was down 
there when part of General Turner's command went to the front, and having 
nothing else to do, I drove some of his men over the parapet, and I found that 
they experienced great difficulty in getting thiough the abatis. The phxce that 
I refer to was at our right of the mine. 

Question. State some of the causes for the failure of the assault on that oc- 
casion, in your opinion. 

Answer. I then formed the opinion, and I have not seen any cause to change 
it, that at the time I was there a clear head, where it could see what was going 
on, and see the difficulties at the front, might have corrected a great many of 
the faults that then existed. I think the trouble was, no one person at the front 
who was responsible, in consequence of which there was no unity of action. It 
took a long time for commanders in the front to communicate with those in the 
vicinity of the 14-gun battery in the rear, on the top of the high hill. My 
idea is that everybody appeared to be acting for himself, with no particular de- 
termination to go any further than he was compelled to. So far as I could see, 
when I arrived there, that appeared to be the state of the case. 

Question. Will you, as far as your observation goes, remark upon the forma- 
tion of the troops as they went forward, and also as to their preparation with 
all things needful for passing over the enemy's line of works and establishing 
themselves on the further side 1 

Answer. I remained in the rear with my troops until I was ordered to advance, 
and at this time part of the 10th corps had already advanced to our most ad- 
vanced work, and the rest, as I stated, were in the covered way ; and I did not 
see any of the 9th corps — the white troops of it — make any movements what- 
ever. They had all moved forward and occupied the crater before I had gone 
to the front, so that I am ignorant of their formation. I know that the colored 
troops went down the covered way before the division of the 10th corps. It 
was my opinion, the case being as it was, that the division of the 10th corps 
should not have passed doAvn the covered way ; that they might have passed 
down the hill to the bottom, then passed over our works, and then up over the 
open ground towards the enemy's. I think all the troops should have gone that 
way. The massing of our troops at our most extreme advanced position, and 
then, crowded as they were, forming them for an advance, created more or less 
confusion. It would be likely to do so among the best of troops, and certainly 
it did in the 9tli corps. I Avas going to remark, that it was my opinion that, 
instead of waiting to have moved down the covered way, it would have been 
proper for me to have avoided the covered way and moved over the open 
ground. There was very little fire upon that ground, and the enemy could 
have probably brought but little there at best ; and I think the division could 
have been moved down the hill and up over the open ground without' serious 
loss — no more than might be expected ; and then the troops would have been 
already in position to have acted with some considerable vigor, and with a rea- 
sonable hope of adequate results. 

Question. Do you know of, or did you see, anything like fascines, gabions, or 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG 213 

such tilings as are generally used, and considered necessary, indeed, for an affair 
of that kind, on the ground 1 

Answer. No, sir. When 1 saw the difficulty in passing our troops from our 
most advanced work to the crater, and saw that there was a little depression 
where the ground rose on each side of it— not much, to be sure, but almost 
enough to cover the troops — I recommended to my superiors. General Ord, and 
also his staff, that men with shovels should go out and throw up — certainly, on 
the left of the crater, on a little rising ground — a rifle-pit or breastwork to cover 
our men, so that they could pass from our line of works to the crater without 
danger ; but I learned that there were no tools there for any such work ; but it 
was concluded that these tools should be obtained, and afterwards Captain 
Farquhar, of the engineers, told me that he had sent for the tools, and that they 
would go to work and make this covered way. But before anything could be 
accomplished, the troops were running back. 

Question. Do you think the plan for the assault was one that, with ordinary 
diligence and skill, ought to have been successful] 

Answer. I don't see how ordinary troops, with good commanders, and one 
head to direct, could have possibly fsxiled under the circumstances. It was 
necessary that some one person should be present to direct tlie various move- 
ments and make them one operation. If there had been, perhaps the result 
would have been different. 

Qitestion. Do you think it would have been any benefit to our arms to have 
held the crater simply ? 

Answer. That, I think, would depend upon our ultimate object. I think it 
would have been no use to have held the crater if we had remained inactive, or 
on the defensive, as we have done since. If it was our intention to work up to 
the crest by mining, it would have been so many hundred yards to our advantage. 

Question. Would it not have been difficult to hold the place in consequence 
of the fire that could have been brought to bear upon it ] Is not that the re- 
entrant point in the line 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. The enemy's fire, at least as I saw it, was at least a semi- 
circle. That is, a continuation of the line of fire from one side in the direction 
of the crater would strike the enemy's works on the other, making the line of 
fire a semicircle. 

Question. You regard the order to withdraw the troops at the time it was 
given a judicious one, do you? 

Answer. I think so, under the circumstances. I understood that the troops 
in the crater did not move forward ; and that being the case, the sooner they 
went back the better. 

Colonel H. L. Abbot, 1st Connecticut artillery, being duly sworn, says to 
questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Did you participate in the assault on the 30th July, and what was 
your command, and what were your particular duties at that time ? 

Answer. I did participate in the assault. I was in command of all the heavy 
guns and mortars, 81 in all. I remained most of the time on the left, in charge 
of the mortar batteries especially. We expected fire from the enemy's salient, 
and I had sixteen mortars to keep it down, and I remained chiefly there and by 
Van Ried's battery. . 

Question. Do you regard the artillery fire on that occasion as very eflective ; 
and was it what it ought to have been, and what it was meant to be ? 

Answer. I do, sir. I think it accomplished all we hoped to do. 

Question. Were there at any point obstacles to the fire of the artillery which 
ought to have been removed ] 

Answer. Yes, sir ; in front of what we call the 14-gun battery. 



214 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Please to state what they were. 

Answer. This battery is nearly in front of the mine, and some trees were 
growing a little to its left, which maslc<5d the fire of the guns upon the next 
rebel battery to our left of the mine. These trees it was our wish to have re- 
moved. They had not been when the battaiy Avas first established, because we 
did not wish to show the enemy what we were doing. As soon as the six 4J- 
inch guns were in position, I was anxious to have them cleared away. 

Question. What measures did you take to efiect that? 

Answer. I had, on several occasions, conversation with General Burnside on 
the subject, in which I referred to the necessity of their being cleared away 
before we coiild use the battery to advantage. On the night of the 27th, work- 
ing parties were ordered by him to cut the trees, but they were driven off after 
accomplishing very little. On the night of the 28th I represented the matter to 
General Hunt, chief of artillery, at the headquarters of the army of the Potomac. 
I went with him to the telegraph office, when he telegraphed General Burnside, 
I should think about seven o'clock in the evening, urging him to have the trees 
removed. One of my captains, Captain Pratt, who commanded the battery, was 
so desirous of having his field of fire clear, that he took some of his own com- 
pany and cut partially that night, no working parties coming. On the night of 
the 29th, the matter was again raised — by whom I do not know — but General 
Burnside declined to have any trees cut on that night, lest it might give the 
rebels an idea of the attack. But a party was formed which did begin to cut 
as soon as the mine exploded. It partially bat not entirely cleared away the 
trees, and the guns were enabled to do some service, but they could not see 
one flanking gun which did us a good deal of harm. I could not see myself, 
from where 1 was, exactly what that gun was doing. I received orders from 
General Hunt — I should think about half past seven oclock, but I cannot be 
sure as to the exact time — to try to turn some of my mortars upon it, as it was 
making trouble. I did so, and made some good shots in that direction, but I 
do not think the fire of the gun was stopped. The battery was too far off. The 
trees that were removed were removed partly by my men and partly by the 
negroes. 

Question. Were you in a situation to tell the court whether the artillery fire 
of the enemy was at all effective, and how soon after the explosion of the mine 1 

Answer. It would be very difiicult to state positively on account of the smoke 
and the noise of our own guns. I do not think that they fired any guns for 
nearly an hour. I could not detect any, although I was watching carefully at 
Van Eeid's battery, so as to make any alteration in our fire that might be neces- 
sary. I am sure they did not fire from the place we expected it most, in front 
of the 5th corps. I do not think they fired during the day from here to do any 
damage. They fired a few shots, however. They fired from a 30-pounder at 
our battery, which, of course, did not amount to anything. This gun was on 
the plank road. Over on the right I could not form any exact idea of what 
they were doing, but I could see that there was certainly no heavy firing. There 
were only a few straggling shots in that direction. Where we most feared the 
fire, we did not get any at all. The firing that they did, according to the re- 
ports I have received, was from a light battery on the crest, and it was once 
moved from its position by our mortar batteries on our right, near the left of the 
18th corps. We expected fire from the two flanks, and we had a heavy fire of 
mortars to stop both fires. 

Brigadier General B. Mott, United States volunteers, being duly sworn, says, 
to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Will you state to the court what time and under what circum- 
stances you relieved the ISth corps, previous to the assault on Petersburg? 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 215 

Answer. I left across the James river on the night of the 2Sth July. I crossed 
the river at 9 o'clock, and one of General Ord's aids met me and put me in po- 
sition before daylight next morning. As soon as it was dark, on the night of 
the 29th, I relieved the 18th corps and one division of the 10th, in the intrench- 
ments, and completed the operation about eleven o'clock. 

Question. What did General Ord say to you as to the practicabihty of mak- 
ing an assault in your front in connexion with the operation of the mine? 
. Answer. He wished me to say to General Hancock, and he said that he had 
also telegraphed to General Meade, that it was not practicable to make an assault 
there on account of a good abatis being in front of the enemy's work, and on 
account of their being well wired, so that it was impossible for the men to get 
through. 

Question. During the assault of General Burnside through the crater and 
subsequent to that time, did you make any examination to see whether the 
enemy had left your front or not? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What was the result ? 

Answer. I sent a staff officer to each brigade commander to instruct them to 
make a demonstration to see if the enemy had left. General De Trobiand, com- 
manding the 1st brigade, attempted to advance his pickets which he had out. 
In doing so he had one officer and fifteen men killed. Colonel Madill, command- 
ing the 2d brigade, said he had a position from which he could see if any one 
lett his front, and not a man left since daylight. Colonel McAlister, command- 
ing the 3d brigade, made a demonstration by sounding the bugle for a charge, 
and snapped some caps, and he immediately received a volley from the enemy's 
works. He had no pickets out in the daytime. 

Question. What time was this? 

Answer. I think it was about 7 o'clock, about the time I got a despatdi, 
when General Burnside reported that the enemy had left his front. 

The court then adjourned, to meet at 10 o'clock on the 3d of September. 

TWELFTH DAY. 

September 3. 18G4. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, Brigadier Generals Ayres and Miles, and 
Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

After taking testimony of all the witnesses present on this day, the proceedings 
of the eleventh day were read and approved. 

Major Duane recalled. 

Question. Were there pontoon trains, sand-bags, &c., in readiness at con- 
venient points near the place of assault on the 30th of July, as ordered by Ma- 
jor General Meade ? 

Answer. There were. 

Question. Were engineer officers detailed for each corps ? 

Answer. There were. 

Question. You stated in your former testimony that you were near the 5th 
corps at the time of the assault. Were there arrangements made for passmg the 
field artillery through the works in front of that corps ? 

Answer. I think not. I did not understand that it was part of the plan that 
the troops of the 5th corps should advance through that part of their front. 
They were to have advanced on the 9th corps front. I understood it was 
intended that they should pass through the enemy's lines opposite the left of 
the 9th corps. I had no conversation with General Meade on that subject. I 
merely inferred it from what I had heard. . 

Question. Were the pioneers equipped for destroying the enemy s abatis, and 



216 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

were intrenching tools in readiness for use when required for the 5th corps in 
their progress against the rebel line ? 

Answer. I do not know. The pioneers were not under my orders. 

Question. Why did not the engineer department take charge of the engineer- 
ing operations and be responsible for their execution ? 

Answer. General Burnside took charge of the operations, and I was directed 
by General Meade not to interfere with them. I had once or twice attempted 
to send officers to direct the operations, and General Bnrnside would not allow 
them to do so. 

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H.Barnes, 29th Massachiisetts volunteers, being 
duly sworn, says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you in the crater at the assault on the 30tb of July, and what 
was your command ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I was not in the crater. 

Question. Were you near it] 

Answer. I was near it on the outside. 

Question. In what formation did your command go forward ? 

Answer. It will be necessary to state that I did not go forward with my com- 
mand proper. On the night previous I was in command of the division picket, 
and, on the picket being relieved in accordance with orders I had received, I 
followed my command, but did not reach my command proper until after they 
had moved forward to the assault. I went forward to the crater at the head of 
the troops of the fourth division, (colored troops.) 

Question. What was the condition of things in or about the crater when you 
arrived there 1 

Answer. When I arrived at the crater the negro troops were pouring through 
the opening down into the crater. I hesitated about going in there with them, 
there was so much confusion at the bottom of the crater, and I remained outside 
with a captain who had been brigade officer of the day, who was with me. We 
remained outside the crater until all the negro troops had passed in ; then, my 
orders being to join my command, and seeing a color in the earthworks about 
one hundred yards to the right of the crater, I moved to the right, supposing it 
might be my color, keeping all the time about one hundred yards from the ditch. 
Arriving at that point I found it was not my regimental color; but meetingt he 
commanding officer of the 13th Indiana regiment of the 10th corps, I stopped to 
converse with him. There were in front of me at this time, lying outside the 
earthworks, negro troops in two lines — that is to say, four deep. They were 
lying on their faces in line of battle immediately on the outside of the ditch. 
Directly in front of them was another line of negro troops in the ditch, mingled 
with the white troops of the first division. I did not go into the crater, because 
I was desirous, if possible, of learning where my regiment was before getting in. 
In justice to myself I might say, that it was a much more exposed position out- 
side the ditch than it was inside; but, as I said before, I desired to find my 
regiment first ; but being unable to do so, I had determined to go in and look 
for it in the ditch. Just as I was about to step forward about half a dozen 
officers of the negro troops rose up and attempted to get their commands out of 
the work — for the purpose of advancing, I should judge, although I knew 
nothing of what the movements were to be, and therefore only judged so from 
their actions. About 200 men, white and black, rose right in my front, their 
officers attempting, as I understood, to advance them, but they immediately fell 
back ; and thereupon the two lines of negro troops that had been lying in front 
of me near the ditch rose to their feet and went back to the rear, marching over 
the 13th Indiana regiment, which remained in its position. This was about one 
hundred yards on the right of the crater. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 217 

Question. The white troops in the crater belonged to what division ? 

Answer. They belonged to the first division, (General Ledlie's.) 

Question. State to the court, if you know, or give your opinion as to why 
they hesitated or stopped in the crater and did not go forward. 

Answer. Of my own knowledge I do not know. 

Question. Did any of the troops of the first division get beyond the crater 
towards the enemy 1 

Answer. I do not know. 

Question. In your opinion, how did this hesitation or rest in the crater aifect 
the result of the action ? 

Answer. In my opinion, it affected it in this manner : The hesitation and the 
length of time consumed in reorganizing or rearranging the men for moving for- 
ward enabled the enemy immediately in front to be prepared, not only for our 
advance, which they M'ere, but to advance against us, which they did. 

Question. Do you know Avhether the division and brigade commanders Avere 
present when the troops halted in the crater? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not know of my own knowledge. 

By the court : 

Question. How many troops were there in those two lines which lay just along 
the enemy's rifle-pit? 

Answer. The number from the crater to a short distance to my right was, I 
should judge, six or seven hundred, possibly more. I could not say how many 
more there might be, because of the nature of the ground, there being a descent 
in the ground, beyond which I could not see. 

Question. Did they at any time charge up the slope towards Cemetery hill? 

Answer. They did not to my knowledge. 

Question. When they rose up and went to the rear, in what order did they go ? 

Answer. In disorder. 

Question. Were those troops again brought forward that day ? 

Answer. Not to my knowledge; some of them were rallied in rear of the next 
line in the rear. 

Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert P. Robi.xson, third Maryland battalion, being 
duly sworn, says to questions by judge advocate: 

Question. Were you in the crater at the assault on the 30th of July, and what 
was your command on that occasion ? 

Answer. I was in the crater at the assault, and I formed part of the third line 
making the assault ; the brigade was in three lines ; I belonged to the second 
brigade of the first division. 

Question. In what formation did your command go forward ? 

Answer. In column of battalions. 

Question. Did any of your troops get beyond the crater? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; some of them did. My brigade went to the right of the 
crater to the breastwork in front of the battery, which was in accordance with 
the orders from Colonel Marshall the night before. 

Question. Did the mass of the troops of the first division halt in the crater 
and about it, or did they go forward towards the crest? 

Answer. I did not see any of them go forward towards the crest. A majority 
of them went through the crater perpendicular to our front. I kept to the right. 

Question. You know the fact that those troops halted there. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know why they halted ? 

Answer. I could not positively say why, without it was in consequence ot the 
ground being so small and so many of them getting together in the crater. There 
was great confusion in the crater. 



218 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 

Question. AVas not tliere plenty of ground in front; why did they not go? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I cannot answer what transpired on the left. I went to 
the right and kept up a fire, and advanced as far as I could, until I got to an 
angle in the works, which was held by the rebels. I used the Spencer rifle 
upon them. The battalion numbered only fifty-six men. 

Question. Was there confusion at that point of attack, or were the troops in 
any order ? 

Answer. I could not see any order at all. There was nothing but confusion 
in the crater. What was in the covered way beyond the crater towards Peters- 
burg I could not say. 

Question. Did you have an opportunity of observing whether efforts were 
made by division and brigade ofiicers to relieve the troops from this disorder? 

Answer. Yes, sir; every effort that could be made was made by Colonel 
Marshall and myself, for he had given orders that I should be obeyed, as I was 
next in command. I saw no division commander in the crater at the time. 

Question. What was the cause of this confusion that you say existed in the 
crater ? 

Answer. I cannot assign any reason for the confusion if it was not, as I said, 
the ground being so much torn up and the place being so small. And when 
they got in there the fire was pretty strong. 

Question. What was the nature of the enemy's fire at that time, heavy or 
otherwise ? 

Answer. When we got there the fire was not so strong as it was} half an horn- 
afterwards 

Question. What kind of fire was it, artillery or musketry ? 

Answer. Both. I would call it a moderate fire. I do not think the heavy 
fire commenced until after 8 o'clock. I think we had fire there from their 
mortar batteries. 

Major George M. Randall, 14th New York heavy artillery, being duly- 
sworn, says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you- in or about the crater on the 30th July, and what was 
your command ? 

Answer. I was in the crater, and was acting aid to General Ledlie. 

Question. In what formation did your division go forward ? 

Answer. It Avent forward, as I should judge, by the flank. They did not go 
forward in solid column, as we expected they would do. 

Question. Do you know any reason why they did not ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Were you near the head of the column ? Or were you among the 
first that got into the crater ? 

Answer. I was about the second line. I was ordered by General Ledlie to go 
forward with the advancing column. 

Question. Had you an opportunity of observing why the troops halted in the 
crater ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I saw the 14th New York and 2d Pennsylvania heavy 
artillery pass through the crater and occupy traverses in rear of the fort, and 
there they remained. 

Question. Were efforts made to urge them forward, according to the plan ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And at a time, too, when they were not in disorder 1 

Answer. They were very much in disorder when they arrived at the crater. 
That was just the difficulty. If the regiments had been in their proper places 
when they arrived at the crater, we would have taken the crest of the hill; 
But they were scattered, and it was impossible to get any of the regiments to- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. ^9 

gether. Colonel Robinson and myself attempted to get them forward, but could 
not do so. 

Question. While this was going on, was there a fire of anj account from the 
enemy ] 

Answer. No, sir ; there was not much when we first advanced in there. 

Question. Please to state, in your opinion, what it arose from. 

Answer. I cannot tell exactly. I suppose it was because, when the mine 
exploded, they were so much excited; for when the mine exploded, they hardly 
knew what they were doing. It appeared to be the opinion of all who were 
there that immediately after the explosion one good regiment in solid column 
could have gone forward without any difficulty. But we were in there only a 
short time when the enemy opened on our right and left. 

Question. Was the division commander present during this confusion ? 

Answer. Not in the crater. 

Question. Is it your opinion that this hesitation affected the result of the 
action ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know whether there were any pioneers with tools or engi- 
neer troops with fascines or gabions ready to come forward to crown the crest 
in the event of your getting up on Cemetery hill ? 

Answer. I think I saw the 25th Massachusetts, first division, with shovels and 
spades ; I cannot positively say, but I think I saw them there somewhere. 
By the court : 

Question. To all appearances were the rebels awake and vigilant before and 
up to the time of the springing of the mine, or were they apparently asleep and 
unprepared? 

Answer. They appeared to be awake. When I was on the first line, the line 
that General Wilcox's division occupied, shots were continually fired by the 
enemy from the fort before the mine exploded. They came from the right or 
left; at least from the immediate vicinity of the fort. 

Question. Are you certain they came from the enemy ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, I am positive of it. 

Question. Where Avas the division commander during the assault 1 

Answer. He was in rear of the first line, the line occupied by General 
Wilcox's troops. I carried orders to him, and found him always m rear of the 
first line, sitting down behind the parapet. 

Question. Do you know any reason why General Ledlie was not with his 
division in front 1 
Answer. No, sir. 

Colonel J. A. Monroe, 1st Rhode Island artillery, being duly sworn, says to 
questions by judge advocate: 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and in what capacity 
did you serve ? 

Answer. I was there as chief of artillery of the 9th army corps. 

Question. What preparations were made, such as making openings tor passing 
field artillery through our line of works, when it should become necessary in 
the front? , i i . 

■ Answer. No such preparations were made to my knowledge. 

Question. What preparations were made for unmasking our artdlery, such as 
cuttiu" down the trees and obstructions that were in front? 

Answer. No preparations bad been made immediately before the explosion. 
Some had been made weeks before. The trees in front of jf ^Vmh "dTctW 
the -heavy work" were left standing until the mormng of the 30th, directly 
after the explosion of the mine, when a few of the trees were cut down. 



220 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Do you understand that some of the batteries were masked by 
those trees ? 

Answer. They were not exactly masked, but the trees obstructed the fire of 
the batteries. 

Question. Were you aware that the 5th corps' artillery was to find its way to 
the front through openings that were to be made in the 9th corps' front 1 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. What have you to say about the fire of the enemy's artillery, as 
to its commencement and its formidableness on that day ? 

Answer. It was not severe at all at first. Half or three-quarters of an hour 
after — it might have possibly been an hour — they had a battery firing, which 
enfiladed our line on the right. That fire came apparently from one or two 
guns on Cemetery hill. 

By the court : 

Question. What troops occupied that line ? 

Answer. I think it was the first division of the 9th corps, which had en- 
deavored to move up towards the crest of Cemetery hill by the way of the 
Chimneys, where there is another battery. The fire of the enemy's battery on 
Cemetery hill was not formidable, because the heavy battery of ours kept it 
almost completely silenced. 

Question. Had those trees been removed, could our batteries have played on 
the enemy's guns on our right of the crater, which were firing across the plain, 
over which our troops were to charge 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. They could also have fired upon a battery in the edge of 
the woods, almost in front of the crater, that was enfilading our Hue. 

Question. What is the reason the trees were not cut down 1 

Answer. I called General Burnside's attention to it three weeks before. I 
went to the general the night before the explosion of the mine, and tried to get 
a large party to cut those trees down, and he said no trees should be cut down 
until the mine should have exploded. I asked him for a detail, and he gave me 
eighty men, Avhich were to be set at work immediately after the explosion of the 
mine. I put them to work, two men to a large tree and one man to a small one, 
and they commenced cutting, but only a few trees were cut down, the party was 
so small. 

Captain Theodore Gregg,, 45th Pennsylvania volunteers, (9th corps,) being 
duly sworn, says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and what was your 
command ? 

Answer. I was at the assault on the 30th July ; my command was the 45th 
Pennsylvania veteran volunteers, first brigade, second division, 9th army corps. 

Question. State briefly what you observed about the operations on that day. 

Answer. My regiment was in the intrenchments opposite the rebel fort that 
was blown up. About half past three o'clock, on the morning of the assault, 
I received orders from Captain Raymond, aid to Colonel Bliss, commanding 
the brigade, to leave part of the regiment deployed as skirmishers and go back 
with the remainder to the edge of the woodlands and form on the right of the 
4th Rhode Island, and remain there until further orders. When the explosion 
took place I was ordered by Captain Peckham, who was also au aid to Colonel 
Bliss, to follow the 4th Rhode Island. We marched by the flank, left in front, 
through the covered way. On arriving at our front line of works opposite the 
crater the order was given to double-quick across the open plain. On arriving 
in front of the rebel works we found several regiments lying down on the ground, 
and a great many men killed and wounded. I then received orders to charge 
across the crater. I gave the command " Face by the right flank," in order to 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 221 

march in line of battle, and on arriving at the edge of the crater I faced again 
by the left flank, and marched in single file around and in rear of the crater. 
The crater was filled with the troops of the first and second divisions of the 9th 
army corps. General Bartlett, commanding the first brigade, first divison, 
General Grifiin, commanding the second brigade, second division, and General 
Hartrauft, were in the crater. They appeared to be endeavoring to rally the 
troops I'or the purpose of charging forward to some buildings, about four hun- 
dred yards in the rear of the crater, towards Petersburg, and, I believe, on 
Cemetery hill. I was ordered by General Bartlett to charge across the plain 
and secure those buildings, so that we could use them to operate as sharpshooters 
against the enemy's artillery. At the same time Captain Peckham ordered me 
to form in line of battle and then charge down in the rear of the enemy's line 
of rifle-pits on the right^that is, to face by the rear rank and charge the enemy 
in the rifle-pits on the right. As soon as they should see the colors of the 45th, 
other regiments of the first brigade, of the second division, were to charge for- 
ward. As soon as I had the regiment formed in line I received an order from 
General Griifin and other officers to charge to the left of the crater, in order to 
create a diversion in favor of other regiments of the second brigade. The crater 
was filled with troops. 

Question. What troops were they 1 

Answer. I knew them to be troops of the first and second divisions by seeing 
General S. G. Griffin and other officers, as well as men whom I had known be- 
fore. They were very much mixed up, and could not be got forward by their 
officers. Some officers attempted to rally them and some did not. 
Question. Was there any firing at this time ? 

Answer. There was. The enemy's fire could not reach the men in the cra- 
ter, but there was heavy firing at this time in front of the crater from field-pieces 
about those buildings. The enemy also had an enfilading fire of artillery from 
the fort situated on our left, and from another battery on our left, and at a deep 
cut in the railroad. I received so many orders from so many diff"erent com- 
manders at that time that I did not know which to obey. 
Question. Where was your division commander ? 

Answer. I do not know where he was. - I did not see the division commander 
there at any time during tlie action. I understood that he was on the ground. 
He might have been there and, in the confusion, I not have seen him. Neither 
Hid I see our brigade commander. General Potter Avas our division commander, 
and Colonel Bliss our brigade commander. 

Surgeon H. E. Smith, 27th Michigan volunteers, (9th corps,) being duly 
sworn, says to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and in what capadty ? 

Answer. 1 was in charge of the surgeons on the field of the third division, 
to see that the wounded were attended to and taken to the rear. 

Question. Had you an opportunity, on that occasion, of observing any ot the 
military movements 1 i i t 

Answer. Nothing more than seeing troops advance over our breastworks, i 
was there when the colored troops were ordered to advance, and heard General 
Burnside's aid give repeated orders to General Ferrero to take his troops up 
and charge towards Petersburg. I think he gave the order three times. 1 he 
third order General Burnside sent to General Ferrero was an imperatiye order 
to advance. To the previous orders General Ferrero would make the answer, 
that the other troops were in his way, and he could not possibly advance while 
they were there, and if they would be taken out of the way he would go ahead. 
Question. General Ferrero was present? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 



222 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Question. Any other generals? 

Answer. General Ledlie was present. Those were the only generals I saw. 

Question. Did General Ledlie make any reply, that you heard, when this 
order was given to General Ferrero ? 

Answer. I did not hear him make any reply, or any statement on the subject 
of that order from General Burnside. 

Question. "What troops did you understand General Ferrero to allude to as 
being in the way 1 

Answer. I did not understand. I supposed they were those troops that had 
made the charge. The general was in front of a bomb-proof which had been 
used as a regimental headquarters, and was situated about 10 or 12 rods, as near 
as I could judge, in rear of the work. This bomb-proof was fronting to the rear. 

Question. Did General Ferrero leave that place and accompany his troops to 
the front when they left ? 

Answer. He did. General Ledlie, I think, left the bomb-proof for a very short 
time. That was about the time of the stampede of the darkeys. Then, I think, 
both General Ledlie and General Ferrero returned about that time. I am not 
positive, however, for I was busy seeing that the wounded were being attended 
to. General Ledlie asked me for stimulants, and said he had the malaria, and 
was struck with a spent ball. He inquired for General Bartlett, as he wanted 
to turn the command over to him and go to the rear. It was one of General 
Bartlett's aids, I believe, who replied that he was in the crater. 

Question. You say that during the stampede Generals Ferrero and Ledlie 
returned to the bomb-proof. How long did they remain there 1 

Answer. General Ferrero remained a very short time. He was exhausted. 
I think he came in for the purpose of getting some stimulants, too, and, I think, 
he went out immediately after I gave him the stimulants. General Ledlie 
remained some time longer, probably half an hour, I should judge. 

Question. You mention stimulants. What were they] hartshorn, materia 
medica, or what ? 

Answer. It was rum, 1 think. I had rum and whiskey there, and I think I 
gave them rum. 

Question. How often did you administer stimulants to those two officers 
during that day 1 

Answer. I think that once was the only time. I was not in the bomb-proof 
all the while that they were there. It was perfectly safe in there, but it might 
not have been outside. I had to go out to look after the wounded. 

Question. Were there any brigade or regimental commanders in the bomb- 
proof, any commanding officers besides those whom you have named 1 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Name them. 

Answer. There was a colonel commanding a brigade of colored troops. Colonel 
Siegfried, I believe. He came there after the stampede quieted down a little, 
after the troops stopped going to the rear. Also Lieutenant Colonel Cutchin, 
of the 20th Michigan. He came in from the crater, about the middle of the 
day, to see General Wilcox, to learn if aiiything could be done to relieve the 
troops in the crater, as they were suffering very much for Avater, and also from 
the artillery fire of the enemy.- 

Question. What Avas the reply ? 

Answer. General Wilcox Avas not there, sir. 

Question. Hoav long did the colonel stay there 1 

Answer. Half an hour, at least. He was very much exhausted in running 
over. He said he had come through a very heavy fire, and it was almost certain 
death to come from the crater to that place. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MIx\E BEFORE PETERSBUKG. 223 

Brigadier General J. C. Carr, United States volunteers, being duly sworn 
Stiys to questions by judge advocate : 

Question. Were you at the assault on the SOtli of July, and what was your 
command ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, I was at the assault. My command was the first division 
of the 18th army corps and a portion of a colored division of the one known as 
Hinck's division of colored troops. I had one brigade of that division. 

Question. Had you opportunities of observing the progress of events on that 
day 1 were you in a situation to see things 1 

Answer. Nothing but my own command. I took position in the trenches 
with my command. I relieved the troops of General Burnside's command, the 
9th army corps, on the evening before, with the exception that I had one brigade, 
which I did not put in the front line. I kept that in reserve to fill the vacancy 
left in our line at the point where the assaulting column was to debouche from 
our intrenchments. 

Question. Could you see the formation of the assaulting column 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I saw it before it made the assault. 

Question. What was the formation 1 

Answer. I should judge it was in column of battalions. 

Question. Was that the first division ? 

Answer. I think it was, sir. It was very dark, not yet daylight in the morn- 
ing. I left General Burnside's headquarters at twenty minutes after three o'clock, 
and as I passed going down I could see the column on my left in column of 
battalions, I should judge. The position I had did not afford me a good oppor- 
tunity- for observing anything but my own immediate command, as I was in the 
trenches during the engagement, and remained there until 12 o'clock that day. 

At about half past 8 o'clock General Turner, of the 10th corps, was ordered 
to form his division in rear of the intrenchments, and in doing so he found that 
it would crowd too much on the troops in his front, and that there was no room 
to get his division in there. He immediately sent for General Ord to come 
down — I think it was General Ames who called upon General Ord to come down — 
and see the position of the ti-oops fur himself, and he went down to see the posi- 
tion of the troops in the trenches. As General Turner was forming his com- 
mand, an attempt was made by the troops on my right to charge the rifle-pits. 
I saw a vacancy, a gap that I thought about four regiments would fill, and 
assist that line of battle that was going over our breastworks to take those rifle- 
pits. I immediately took command of part of Turner's division, and ordered 
them over the line to join the line of troops then advancing, and told them to 
charge the rifle-pits in their front, which they did. That was about two hun- 
dred yards on the right of the crater. After putting those troops in, I stepped 
back from the intrenchments some ten or fifteen yards towards the covered way, 
and I had scarcely got back to the lower end of the covered way when the 
stampede began, and I suppose two thousand troops came back, and I was lifted 
from my feet by the rushing mass, and carried along with it ten or fifteen yards 
in the covered way. What staff I had with me assisted me in stopping the 
crowd in the covered way, and in putting some of them in position in the second 
line ; some were in the first line. I left General Potter in the covered way. 

Question. Was there any good reason that you know of for this retirement of 
the troops ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did you notice any arrangements that were made for the passage 
of troops over the parapet and through the abatis of our lines 1 

Answer. No, sir. There was no abatis in the front where I was, at least I 
did not notice any abatis. There was abatis to the right of it ? 

Question. If you had moved your troops to the front how would you have 



224 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

got tlirougli our lines ? what mode would you have taken to get them through 1 
what formation Avould you have adopted 'I 

Answer. I should have formed a column of divisions. 

Question. Were there intervals made in our line for the passage of such a 
column 1 

Answer. I could not say, sir; all I know is what was in my immediate front. 
I saw that there were no obstructions to prevent troops passing over our in- 
trenchments to the enemy's works. The rifle-pit I speak of was an advanced 
work of the enemy where they had a thin line of skirmishers 5 the main line was 
behind it. 

Question. Did the enemy fire from the main line upon your party that took 
the pits 1 

Answer. Yes, sir; briskly with musketry. I do not know the exact hour, 
but I think that it Avas about half past 8 a. m. 

Question. How did those troops of the 10th corps that you took forward 
pass over the parapet of our line? 

Answer. They went over by a flank movement. 

Question. How long did those troops of the 10th corps hold the pits that they 
took] 

Answer. Just as long as I was walking about thirty paces. I had just got 
into the mouth of the covered way when they came back. I saw officers waving 
their swords on the pits, but they did not stay a great while. 

The court then adjourned to meet at ten o'clock on the 5th September. 

THIRTEENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

Jones's House, September 5, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, president ; Brigadier Generals Ayres and 
Miles, and Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

Captain F. U. Farquhar, United States engineers, being duly sworn, says to 
questions by judge advocate: 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and in what capacity ? 

Answer. I was present, and was chief engineer on the stafii" of General Ord, 
commanding the 18th corps. 

Question. Were you in a situation to observe the operations on that day ? 

Answer. I was a portion of the time, after the smoke cleared away. 

Question, Did you witness the explosion of the mine 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I saw the explosion of the mine. 

Question. Relate what you saw done unusual on such occasions — occasions 
of assault ; state some of the omissions, if any, and the principal causes which 
conduced to the failure of the assault. 

Answer. At or near fifteen minutes before 5 a. m. the explosion of the mine 
took place. Immediately on the explosion the artillery opened, and, I should 
judge, three or five minutes afterwards, we heard the cheer of the assaulting 
party. Nothing could be seen from the time of the opening of the artillery for 
twenty-five minutes or half an hour, when the smoke commenced to clear away. 
At the time of the explosion of the mine the general oflacers in command were 
in the covered way, in rear of the 14-guu battery, near what are known as 
" Thomas's Chimneys," I believe. Between half and three-quarters of an horn- 
after the explosion. Lieutenant Colonel Loring, of General Burnside's staff, came 
from the front, and reported that the troops that were in the crater were lying 
there, and could not be pushed forward or gotten out of it. It was fully three 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 225 

quarters of an hour after the explosion of the mine before the enemy opened any 
artillery, and then not at all severe. At the time of the explosion, Turner's 
division of the 10th corps, which was under General Ord's command, was lying 
at or near the mouth of, or entrance to, the covered way on the right of the 14-gun 
battery. Ames's division of the 18th corps was in rear of that strip of woods 
which is in rear of the 14-gun battery. Both the covered ways on the right 
and left of this 14-guu battery were filled with troops of the 9th corps — the negro 
division being in the left covered way. There seemed to be an unaccountable 
delay in the advance of the supports to the first assaulting column. I cannot 
tell the exact time. I did not see the second one go up, but I heard the cheer 
some time after — how long I cannot recollect. Somewhere between half past six 
and seven o'clock I went to the front line to which the assaulting columns had 
started. The ground immediately in front of our salient from which our forces 
started was favorable for charging over, as the troops were partially protected 
pretty near all the way up from the left flanking fire by a very small ridge ; the 
men could have passed over easily, and there were very few dead or wounded 
lying on that space between our line and the crater. The men seemed to be 
lying in the crater, and on our side of the crater, but no movements seemed to 
be taking place. I saw General Turner at that time going to the crater. There 
seemed to be a lack of enthusiasm or spirit in both ofiicers and men. The negro 
division filed over our parapet and went into the crater by the flank, exposing 
their whole line as they passed over from our line to the enemy's to the tire from 
both sides of the crater. At between nine and ten o'clock the cross fire of the 
enemy in front of the salient had become so severe that hardly a man could pass 
from our salient to the crater without being hit. At this front line that I went 
to there seemed to be no person of any authority to meet any emergency that 
might arise, and in that, in my opinion, lies one of the chief causes of the dis- 
aster. The chief causes of failure are, in the first place, that the mine was in 
the wrong place, because it was in a re-entrant; and in the second, that there 
was no officer present to make any new dispositions or movements to meet any 
emergency that might arise. It seemed to me, so far as I could see, that the 
troops were not ready to move. They were in the covered ways, and so situated 
that you could not follow the assaulting columns up with the necessary supports. 
As it was, the assaulting column, if it had gone forward, would be a mile ahead 
before the supports could get up. I was present when General Turner sent 
back a note to General Ord, saying that he could not get his troops forward on 
account of General Burnside's troops being in the way. General Ord then sat 
down and wrote a letter to General Meade — I believe it was General Meade — 
telling him that he would advance Turner's division as soon as General Burn- 
side's troops were out of the way. He showed it to General Burnside, who 
asked him not to send it, for he would have his troops out of the way immedi- 
ately ; but Avhether he ever sent it or not, I do not know. General Ord then 
went to the front himself at the time that General Turner said he could not get 
his troops forward, and found the same state of things existing — that the covered 
way was filled up with General Burnside's troops going to the front, and that 
the wounded were being brought to the rear in the same covered way that the 
troops going forward to fight were going forward in. There was no reason why 
the troops should move through the covered way at all. From the position of 
the assaulting columns and the troops fighting, the enemy could not notice troops 
passing down the slope of the hill without going through the covered Avay. The 
colored troops seemed to be well led, and followed their officers with as muck 
enthusiasm as any other troops that day. , They seemed to go about two hun- 
dred or two hundred and fifty yards to the right of the crater, going towards the 
enemy's intrenchments. Then there came a halt, and by that time General 
Turner had got one of his brigades to the front, and he ordered an assault with 
his brigade. Instead of passing along the edge of the crater as the other troops 
Rep. Com. 114-15. 



226 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

had done, which gave them a temptation to lie down, he charged to the right of 
the crater. It w^s just then that the negroes came back, and his men were 
carried back with them, I went to the front immediately after this affair, when 
I saw General Turner, and he seemed to be very much distressed about it. 

Question. State if there were any means taken for crowning the crest if 
gained — working parties with fascines, gabions, intrenching tools, &c. 

Answer. I can speak only with reference to myself. I had my sappers and 
miners equipped with tools, ready to move with the 18th corps when it should 
move. 

Question, With the ordinary performance of their duties by officers and men, 
on such occasions, ought not the assault to have been successful 1 

Answer. It was successful, for the line was carried. It oiily wanted some 
person present to tell them what to do afterwards. I think that, had there been 
any person of authority at the place, even at our own front line, at the salient, 
to have given directions at the proper time, we had ninety-nine chances in a 
hundred of being successful in the object expected to be gained. From my 
own experience I know that it would take you at least three minutes to get 
to the front through the covered way, because it was so crowded, and three 
minutes to get back again to where the general was, and then count your 
time for observation besides ; and at that time, when the opposing forces were 
so close to each other, ten minutes would make a great deal of diflPerence. I 
think that, with the exception of a lack of enthusiasm, the troops behaved as 
well as troops ever behaved. What they wanted was handling. Just in front 
of the crater, in rear of the enemy's line, there was a sort of a redoubt or earth- 
work upon the hill, from which not a shot was fired. There was not a soul be- 
tween the crater and that position, and I believe that, position was the objective 
point of the assault. And I think, had the troops been pushed forward 
properly, the columns following as one column should have followed another, 
there would have been no difficulty in the place being carried. 

Question. Then there were no physical obstacles in the way of our success! 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question, Is it your opinion that, if we had not had the mine, we would have 
been more successful? 

Answer. No, sir. The mine of itself was a success. The consternation of 
the enemy in consequence of the explosion of the mine more than compensated 
for the flanking fire which they opened upon us. But it was three-quarters of 
an hour before they opened fire. 

Question. Were adequate preparations made for the passage of our troops 
over our parapets and through the abatis ? 

Answer. There seemed to be room enough at our salient to pass over certainly 
in regimental front. 

Question, Could artillery have passed through? 

Answer. No, sir. I saw no place where artillery could have passed through 
at any point within two hundred or two hundred and fifty feet of the salient. 
I do not know how practicable it was further to the right or left. Leading up 
from the hollow to the front, the covered ways were very narrow, not at all ade- 
quate to the necessities of the occasion for conveying troops to the front. And 
there was room enough in that hollow to have massed all the troops under cover 
of the darkness. Had that been done, as it was not light when the mine should 
have exploded, they would all have been in the enemy's lines before they could 
have been much hurt. 

Question, Who gave you orders for preparing the fascines, gabions, and in- 
trenching tools, and working parties, in the 18th corps? 

Answer. I got them from General Old. All I had were shovels, spades, 
picks, and sand-bags. 

Question. Did you see General Burnside on that occafiioni 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 227 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I saw hira quite frequently. 

Question. Any of his division and brigade commanders? 

Answer. I only noticed one division commander. 

Question. Name him. 

Answer. General Potter. If the others were there, I did not happen to see 
them. 

There being no more witnesses in attendance the court adjourned, to meet at 
ten o'clock on 6th September. 

FOURTEENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

Jones's House, September 6, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, president ; Brigadier Generals Ayres and 
Miles ; and Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 12th and 13th days were read and approved. 
There being no more witnesses* present, the court was cleared. 
The record of evidence was referred to, and discussions took place ; after 
which the court adjourned, to meet at ten o'clock a. m. on the 7th September. 

FIFTEENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

September 7, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, president ; Brigadier Generals Ayres and 
Miles; and Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. • 

Discussion was resumed ; and the court then adjourned till ten o'clock on the 
8th September. 

SIXTEENTH DAY. 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

September 8, 1864. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: Major General Hancock, president; Brigadier Generals Ayres and 
Miles ; and Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

Lieutenant A. A. Shedd, 43d United States colored troops, being duly sworn. 
Bays, to judge advocate's 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and in what capacity? 

Answer. As aide-de-camp to Colonel Siegfried, commanding 1st brigade, 4th 
division, 9th corps. 

Question. Were you in the crater at any time ? 

Answer. I was. 

Question. Were any of your troops there ? 

Answer. They were— they went in under Colonel Siegfried ; they were not 
all in. 

Question. If they halted there, why did they so ? 

Answer, There were so many troops in before they came ; that is one reason. 

Question. What efforts were made to push them forward beyond the crater? 

c- The foUowino- name I officers, on account of sickness or absence, did not appear as 
witnesses before the court : Brigadier Generals Ledlie, Turner, and Buraham ; Colonel 
Biegfried ; and Lieutenant Colonel Loring and Pleasants. 



228 EXPLOSION OF THE MDIE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Answer, The colonel (Bates) of the 30th regiment colored troops led his 
through ; that is the only one I saw go through the crater. 

Question. Was Colonel Siegfried present with his troops in the front all the 
time 1 

Answer. He was ; he came out when the troops did, about 10 to 11 o'clock. 

Captain E. T. Raymond, 36th Massachusetts volunteers, duly sworn, says to 
judge advocate's 

Question. Were you at the assault on the 30th July, and in what capacity? 

Answer. I was, as brigade inspector, 1st brigade, 2d division, 9th corps. 

Question, What was your general position on the field on that occasion ? 

Answer, In the crater a portion of the time ; part near the right of our 
brigade, in our works. 

Question. Under whose immediate orders were you serving ? 

Answer. Colonel Z. R. Bliss, 7th Rhode Island volunteers, commanding the 
brigade. 

Question. Was he with his troops all the time 1 

Answer. He was. At 7 o'clock we moved down the covered way, from in 
rear of our batteries, in front of our reserve camp. Three regiments went into 
the crater; the remainder of the brigade stopped in the works. About eight 
o'clock I was sent into the crater by Colonel Bliss, to ascertain why the three 
regiments in front did not charge — he remaining in the works, with four regi- 
ments of the bi'igade. I went, and found the three regiments were formed in 
the covered way beyond the crater, towards Cemetery hill. 

Question, Where did the covered way strike the enemy's pits to the left of 
the crater ? 

Answer, Facing their front, it led a little to our right of the crater, tending 
off a little to the right of Cemetery hill. 

Question. What efforts were made to bring up the regiments which were left 
in the works by their commanders ? 

Answer. The three regiments which went forward were first to charge, before 
the rear regiments were to move forward. 

Question. With what part of the brigade was Colonel Bliss 1 

Answer. With the portion that was left behind. He remained with the last 
regiment, and did not go forward at all, to my knowledge. 

The court, after discussion with closed doors, adjourned, to meet at ten o'clock 
on the 9 th September, 

SEVENTEENTH DAY, 

Headquarters Second Corps, 

September 9, 1864. 
The court met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present : Major General Hancock, president; Brigadier Generals Ayres and 
Miles ; and Colonel Schriver, judge advocate. 

The proceedings of the 14th, 15th, and 16th days were read and approved. 
The court, with closed doors, then resumed the discussion of the testimony; 
and decided on the following finding and opinion : 



After mature deliberation on the testimony adduced, the court find the fol- 
lowing facts and circumstances attending the unsuccessful assault on the 30th 

The mine, quite an important feature in the attack, was commenced by Major 
General Burnside soon after the occupation of his present lines, without any direc- 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 229 

tions obtained from the headquarters of the army of the Potomac. Although 
its location — and in this the engineers of the army concur — was not considered 
by Major General Meade a proper one, it being commanded from both flanks 
and reverse, the continuance of the work was sanctioned. 

It was not the intention of the lieutenant general commanding, or of the 
major general commanding the army of the Potomac, it is believed, to use the 
mine in the operations against Petersburg, until it became known that the enemy 
had withdrawn a large part of his forces to the north side of tlie James river, 
when it was thought advantage might be taken of it in an assault. All the 
Union troops sent north of the James had been recalled in time to participate 
in the assault, so that the whole of the forces operating in front of Petersburg 
were disposable. 

The mine was ordered to be exploded at 3.30 a. m., but, owing to a defective 
fuze, it did not take place till 4.45. 

The detailed order or plan of operations issued by Major General Meade is 
in accordance with General Grant's instructions, and was seen and approved by 
the latter previous to its publication. It is marked K in the appendix. 

It is the concurrent testimony that had the order been carried out, success 
would have attended the attack. Also it is in evidence that General Meade 
met General Burnside and three of his division commanders the day before the 
assault, and impressed upon them that the operation was one of ti7ne ; that un- 
less prompt advantage were taken of the explosion of the mine to gain the crest, 
it would be impossible to get it, or the troops to remain outside of their lines. 

That order directed that General Burnside should " form his troops (the 9th 
corps) for assaulting," and that General Ord, commanding the 18th corps, and 
General Warren, commanding the 5th corps, should support the assault on the 
right and left respectively. 

Major General Burnside's order (No. 60, appendix) directed Brigadier Gen- 
eral Ledlie's division, immediately on the explosion of the mine, to be moved 
forward and crown the crest known as Cemetery hill. Brigadier General Wil- 
cox was to move his division forward as soon as possible after General Ledlie's, 
bearing off to the left, and Brigadier General Potter was to follow and go to the 
right. Brigadier General Ferrero was to move his (colored) division next, and 
pass over the same ground that General Ledlie's did. 

Five minutes after the explosion of the mine General Ledlie's division went 
forward, and it was followed by those of Generals Wilcox and Potter, though 
it is in evidence that the latter did not move in the prescribed order, and that 
they were not formed in a manner to do the duty assigned them. 

General Ledlie's division, instead of complying with the order, halted in the 
crater made by the explosion of the mine, and remained there about an hour, 
when Major General Meade received the first intimation of the fact through a 
despatch from Lieutenant Colonel Loring, assistant inspector general of the 9th 
corps, intended for General Burnside, in which he expressed the fear that the 
men could not be induced to advance. 

This crater was on the enemy's line of works, and was fifty to sixty yards 
long, twenty yards wide, and twenty to twenty-five feet deep. It was about 
five hundred yards from the Cemetery crest. 

General Burnside was then (5.40 a. m.) ordered to push forward to the crest 
all his own troops, and to call on General Ord to move forward his troops at 
once. It is in evidence that when the order was communicated to General 
Ferrero, commanding the colored division, he said he could not put in his troops 
until the troops already in front should be moved out of the way. They did 
go forward, however, after some delay, but only to be driven back, and m their 
flight to rush impetuously against other troops, destroying their formation and 
producing disorder. 

At 6.10 a. m., inquiry being made of General Burnside if it would be an ad- 



230 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOKE PETERSBURG. 

vantage for Warren's supporting force to go in at once on the left, the answer 
was, "There is scarcely room for it in our immediate front." The importance of 
the utmost promptness and the securing of the crest at once, at all hazards, were 
urged upon him at 6.50 a. m. 

At 7.20 a. m. General Burnside reported to General Meade that he was doing 
all in his power to push forward the troops, and if possible carry the crest, and 
also that the main body of General Potter's division was beyond the crater. It 
does not appear in evidence, however, that they ever got any considerable dis- 
tance, not exceeding two hundred yards, beyond the crater towards the crest, 
whence they were driven back immediately. This was also the fate of the few 
colored troops who got over the enemy's line for a moment. 

At 9 o'clock a. m. General Burnside reported many of the 9th and 18th 
corps were retiring before the enemy, and then was the time to put in the 5th 
corps. It having just been reported, however, by two staff officers (not Gen- 
eral Burnside's) that the attack on the right of the mine had been repulsed and 
that none of the Union troops were beyond the line of the crater, the command- 
ing general thought differently; and the lieutenant general concurring, General 
Burnside was directed at 9.50 a. m. to withdraw to his own intrenchments immedi- 
ately or at a later period, but not to hold the enemy's line any longer than was 
required to withdraw safely his men. This order brought General Burnside to 
General Meade's headquarters, where he remonstrated against it, saying by night- 
fall he could carry the crest. No other officer who was present, and who has 
testified before the court,, concurred in this opinion. The troops in the crater 
were then ordered to retire, but before it could be effected they were driven out 
with great loss, at two o'clock p. m. These troops, however, were making prep- 
arations to retire, and but for that would probably not have been driven out at 
that time. 

The 5th corps did not participate at all in the assault, and General Ord's 
command only partially, because the condition of affairs at no time admitted of 
their co-operation, as was contemplated by the plan of assault. 

The causes of failure are — 

1. The injudicious formation of the troops in going forward, the movement 
being mainly by flank instead of extended front. General Meade's order indi- 
cated that columns of assault should be employed to take Cemetery hill, and 
that proper passages should be prepared for those columns. It is the opinion 
of the court that there were no proper columns of assault. The troops should 
have been formed in the open ground in front of the point. of attack parallel to 
the line of the enemy's works. The evidence shows that one or more columns 
might have passed over at, and to the left of the crater without any previous 
preparation of the ground. 

2. The halting of the troops in the crater instead of going forward to the 
crest, when there was no fire of any consequence from the enemy. 

3. No proper employment of engineer officers and working parties, and of 
materials and tools for their use, in the 9th corps. 

4. That some parts of the assaulting columns were not properly led. 

5. The want of a competent common head at the scene of the assault, to di- 
rect affairs as occurrences should demand. 

Had not failure ensued from tlie above causes and the crest been gained, the 
success might have been jeoparded by the failure to have prepared in season 
proper and adequate debouches through the 9th corps' lines for troops, and 
especially for field artillery, as ordered by Major General Meade. 

The reasons why the attack ought to have been successful are : 
1. The evident surprise of the enemy at the time of the explosion of the 
mine, and for some time after. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 231 

2. The comparatively small force in the en(^my's works. 

3. The ineffective fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry, there being 
scarcely any for about thirty minutes after the explosion, and our artillery being 
just the reverse as to time and power. 

4. The fact that some of our troops were able to get two hundred yards be- 
yond the crater towards the crp.st, but could not remain there or proceed further 
for want of supports, or because they were not properly formed or led. 



^ The court having given a brief narrative of the assault, and " the facts and 
circumstances attending it," it remains to report that the following named 
officers engaged therein appear, from the evidence, to be " answerable for the 
want of success " which should have resulted : 

I. Major General A. E. Burnside, United States volunteers, he having failed 
to obey the orders of the commanding general — 

1. In not giving such formation to his assaulting column as to insure a reason- 
able prospect of success ; 

2. In not preparing his parapets and abatis for the passage of the columns 
of assault ; 

3. In not employing engineer officers who reported to him to lead the assault- 
ing columns with working parties, and not causing to be provided proper 
materials necessary for crowning the crest when the assaulting columns should 
arrive there ; 

4. In neglecting to execute Major General Meade's orders, t-especting the 
prompt advance of General Ledlie's troops from the crater to the crest; or, in 
default of accomplishing that, not causing those troops to fall back and give 
place to other troops more willing and equal to the task, instead of delaying 
until the opportunity passed away, thus affording time for the enemy to recover 
from his surprise, concentrate his fire, and bring his troops to operate against the 
Union troops assembled uselessly in the crater. 

Notwithstanding the failure to' comply with orders, and to apply proper mili- 
tary principles, ascribed to General Burnside, the court is satisfied he believed 
that the measures taken by him would insure success. 

II. Brigadier General J. 11. Lcdlie, United States volunteers, he having 
•failed to push forward his division promptly according to orders, and thereby 

blocking up the avenue which was designed for the passage of troops ordered to 
follow and support his in the assault. It is in evidence that no commander re- 
ported to General Burnside that his troops could not be got forward, which the 
court regard as a neglect of duty on the part of General Ledlie, inasmuch as a 
timely report of the misbehavior might have enabled General Burnside, com- 
manding the assault, to have made other arrangements for prosecuting it before 
it became too late. Instead of being with his division during this difficulty in 
the crater, and by his personal eftbrts endeavoring to lead his troops forward, 
he was most of the time in a bomb-proof, ten rods in rear of the main line of 
the 9th corps works, where it was impossible for him to see anything of the 
movements of troops that was going on, 

III. Brigadier General Edivard Ferrero, United States Volunteers— 

1. For not having all his troops found ready for the attack at the prescribed 
time. 

2. Not going forward with them to the attack. 

3. Being in a bomb-proof habitually, where he could not see the operation of 
his troops, showing by his own order issued, while there, that he did not know 
the position of two brigades of his division, or whether they had taken Ceme- 
tery hill or not. 



232 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

IV. Colonel Z. R. Bliss, 7th Rhode Island Tolunteers, commanding 1st bri- 
gade, 2d division, 9th corps — 

In this : that he remained behind with the only regiment of his brigade which 
did not go forward according to the orders, and occupied a position where he 
could not properly command a brigade, which formed a portion of an assaulting 
column, and where he could not see what was going on. 

V. Brigadier General O. B. Wilcox, United States volunteers — 

The court are not satisfied that General Wilcox's division made efforts com- 
mensurate with the occasion to carry out General Burnside's order to advance 
to Cemetery hill, and they think that more energy might have been exercised 
by Brigadier General Wilcox to cause his troops to go forward to that point. 

Without intending to convey the impression that there was any disinclination 
on the part of the commanders of tlie supports to heartily co-operate in the 
attack on the 30th day of July, the court express their opinion that explicit 
orders should have been given assigning one officer to the command of all the 
troops intended to engage in the assault when the commanding general was not 
present in person to witness the operations. 

WINFIELD S. HANCOCK, Major General U. S. Vols., 

President of Court. 
Edward Schriver, Inspector General, U. S. A., 

Judge Advocate. 
The court then adjourned sine die. 

WINFIELD S. HANCOCK, Major General U. S. Vols., 

President of Court. 
Edward Schriver, Inspector General, U. S. A., 

Judge Advocate. 



APPENDIX TO THE RECORD OF THE COURT OF INQUIRY. 

Appendix A. 

Despatches from Major General Meade to Lieutenant General Grant, July 
24, 26, and 28, 1864, and from General Grant to General Meade, July 24, 
26,28, 2^th, and August 1, 1864. 



Headquarters Armies of the United States, 

City Point, Va., July 24, 1864. 

Gen eral : The engineer officers who made a survey of the front from Bermuda 
Hundred report against the probability of success from an attack there ; the chances 
they think will be better on Burnside's front. If this is attempted, it will be neces- 
sary to concentrate all the force possible at the point in the enemy's line we ex- 
pect to penetrate. All officers should be fully impressed of the absolute necessity 
of pushing entirely beyond the enemy's present line, if they should succeed in 
penetrating it, and of getting back to their present line promptly, if they should 
not succeed in breaking through. 

To the right an^ left of the point of assault, all the artillery possible should 
be brought to play upon the enemy in front during the assault. Thin lines would 
be sufficient for the support of the artillery, and all the reserves could be brought 
on the flank of their commands nearest to the point of assault, ready to follow in 
if successful. The field artillery and infantry held in the lines during the first 
assault should be in readiness to move at a moment's notice, either to their front 
or to follow the main assault, as they should receive orders. One thing, however, 
should be impressed on corps commanders : if they see the enemy giving way in 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 233 

their front, or moving from it to re-enforce a heavily assaulted position of their 
line, they should take advantage of such knowledge, and act promptly without 
waiting for orders from their army commander. 

General Ord can co-operate with his corps in this movement, and ahout five 
thousand troops from Bermuda Hundred can be sent to re-enforce you, or can be 
used to threaten an assault between the Appomattox and James rivers, as may be 
deemed best. 

This should be doneby Tuesday morning, if done at all. If not attempted, 
we will then start at the date indicated to destroy the railroad as far as Hicks- 
ford, at least, and to Weldon, if possible. 

Please give me your views on this matter, and I will order at once. In this 
I have said nothing of the part to be taken by the cavalry, in case the enemy's 
lines are assaulted. The best disposition to be made of them probably would be 
to place them on the extreme left, with instructions to skirmish with the enemy 
and drive him back if possible, following up any success gained in that way ac- 
cording to the judgment of the commander, or ordei'S he may receive. 

Whether we send an expedition on the raihoad, or assault at Petersburg, 
Burnside's mine will be blown up. 

As it is impossible to hide preparations from our own officers and men, and 
consequently from the enemy, it will be well to have it understood as far as possi- ^ 
ble that just the reverse of what we intend is in contemplation. 
I am, general, very respectfully, &c., 

U. S. GRANT, 
Lieutenant General. 

Major General George G. Meade, Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
/ AssH Adft Gen' I. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 24, 1864. 

General : I have received your letter per Lieutenant Colonel Comstock. In 
reply thereto, I have to state that I yesterday made in person a close and care- 
ful reconnoissance of the enemy's position in my front. Although I could not 
detect any positive indications of a second line, yet, from certain appearances at 
various points, I became satisfied that a second line does exist on the crest of the 
ridge, ju«t in rear of the position of Burnside's mine. I have no doubt of the 
successful explosion of the mine, and of our ability to crown the crater, effect a 
lodgement, and compel the evacuation of the enemy's present occupied hue ; but 
from their redoubt on the Jerusalem plank road, and from their position in front 
of the Hare house, their artillery fire would render our lodgement untenable, and 
compel our advance or withdrawal. , -, i j ^i 

The advance, of course, should be made, but its success would depend on the 
question whether the enemy have a line on the crest of the ridge. If they have, 
with the artillery fire they can bring to bear on the approaches to this second 
hill I do not deem it practicable to carry the line by assault ; and from my ex- 
amination, together with the evident necessity of their having such a Ime, 1 am 
forced to believe we shall find one there. n . i i j 

I cannot, therefore, advise the attempt being made; but should it be deemed 
expedient to take the risks, and there is undoubtedly room for doubt, 1 would hke 
a little more time than is given in your note in order to place in position tlie 
maximum amount of artillery to bear upon the lines not assaulted. ,ln ret- 
erence to the assaulting force, it will be composed of the 9th and 2d corps. 

The 5th corps wUl have to remain in their present position, and be prepared 



234 EXPLOSION OP THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBURG. 

to meet any attempt of the enemy to turn our left flank, whicli is not altogether 
unlikely, particularly if we should fail in our assault, and be compelled to with- 
draw. 

I am fully impressed with the importance of taking some immediate action, 
and am satisfied that, excepting regular approaches, the springing of Burnside's 
mine and subsequent assault is the most practicable, and I am not prepared to 
say the attempt would be hopeless. I am, however, of the opinion, so far as I can 
judge, that the chances of its success are not such as to make it expedient to at- 
tempt it. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Maj. GerCl Com'dg. 
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant. 

P. S. — I enclose you a report of Major Duane, which confirms my views ; if 
Wright is soon to return, and we can extend our lines to the Weldon railroad, 
we could then advance against the salient on the Jerusalem plank road, and 
make an attempt to carry them at the same time we assaulted in Burnside's 
front. 
^ This was my idea some time ago, and we have been preparing the necessary 
siege works f)r this purpose. Under your instructions, however, none of the 
heavy guns and material have been brought to the front, and it would take, 
perhaps, two days to get them up. 

G. G. M. 

Official copy : • 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adfi Gen'l. 



B. 2. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

OJice of Clikf Engineer, July 24, 1864. 
General: In reply to your communication of this date, I have the honor to state 
-that the line of the enemy's works in front of General Burnside is not situated on 
the crest of the ridge separating us from Petersburg. That the enemy have un- 
doubtedly occupied this riuge as a' second line. 

Should General Burnside succeed in exploding his mine, he would probably 
be able to take the enemy's first line, which is about one hundred yards in ad- 
vance of his approach. Beyond this I do not think he could advance until the 
works in front of the fifth corps are carried, as the ninth corps columns would be 
taken in flank by a heavy artillery fire from works in front of the centre of the 
fifth corps, and in front by fire from the works on the crest near the Ceme- 
tery hill. I do not believe that the works in front of the 5th corps can be carried 
until our lines can be extended to the left so as to envelop the enemy's line.j ^ 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. C. DUANE. 
Major Engineers, United States Army. 

Major General MeJade, Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS. 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 235 



Headquarters Armies of the TJnited States, 

City Point, July 24, 1864. 
General : Your note brought by Colonel Comstock is received. It will be 
necessary to act without expecting Wright. He is now in Washington ; but it 
is not fully assured yet that Early has left the valley, and if Wright was to start 
back no doubt the Maryland raid would be repeated. I am not willing to at- 
tempt a movement so hazardous as the one against intrenched lines, against the 
judgment of yourself and your engineer officers, and arrived at after a more 
careful survey of the ground than I have given it. I will let you know, how- 
ever, in the morning what determination I come to. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Major General Meade, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Official copy : 



U. S. GRANT, 

Lieutenant Geiieral. 



S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

12 m., July 26, 1864. 
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant : 

More critical examinations from a new signal station would lead to the con- 
clusion that the enemy have detached works on the ridge in front of Burnside, 
but they have no connected line. This fact increases the chances of a success- 
ful assault ; and, taken in connexion with the fact that General Burnside does 
not now think the enemy have discovered his mine; on the contrary, believes 
they are laying the platform for a battery right over it. 

I have suspended the order to load and discharge it to-morrow, as it may 
yet be useful in connexion with further operations. 

I am afraid the appearance of McLaw's division, together with Wilcox's, pre- 
viously reported, will prevent any chance of a surprise on the part of our peo- 
ple to-morrow. Yesterday's Richmond Examiner also says your strategic move- 
ments are known, and preparations made to meet them, referring, I presume, to 
Foster's operations. 

There was considerable shelling by the enemy yesterday afternoon all along 
our lines, brought on, I think, by Burnside discovering a camp he had not be- 
fore seen and ordering it shelled. No serious casualties were produced on our 
side, but the 5th corps working parties were very much annoyed and inter- 
rupted. With this exception, all was quiet. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Aclj't Gen'l. 



236 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



[Cipher.] 

United States Military Telegraph, 
By telegraph from City Point, 3 p. m., dated July 26, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

The information you have just sent, and all information received on the sub- 
ject, indicates a probability that the enemy are looking for a formidable attack 
either from General Burnside or north of the James river, and that they will 
detach from Petersburg heavily to prevent its success. This will make your 
remaining two corps, with the 18th, relatively stronger against the enemy at 
Petersburg than we have been since the first day. It will be well, therefore, to 
prepare for an assault in General Burnside's front, only to be made if further 
development justifies it. If made, it would be necessary to abandon most of the 
front now held by the 5th corps. 

U. S. GEANT, 

Lieutenant General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'L 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

5.30 p. m., July 26, 1864. 
Lieutenant General U. S. Grant : 

Telegram 3 p. m. received. The only preparation that can be made is the 
loading of Burnside's mine. I cannot advise an assault with the 2d corps ab- 
sent, for some force must be left to hold oiir lines and protect our batteries. 

The withdrawal of the 5th corps would prevent any attempt on our part to 
silence the fire of the enemy's guns in front of the 5th corps, and unless these 
guns are silenced no advance can be made across the open ground in front of 
the 9th corps. 

It is not the numbers of the enemy which oppose our taking Petersburg; it is 
their artillery and their works, which can be held by reduced numbers against 
direct assault. 

I have just sent you a despatch indicating an attack on my left flank by the 
enemy. This is my weak point, and a formidable attack turning my flank would 
require all my force to meet successfully. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General 

Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'L 



United States Military Telegraph, 
By telegraph from City Point, 12.20 p. m., dated July 28, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

Your despatch of 12 m. received. Unless something turns up north of the 
James between this and night that I do not expect, you may withdraw Hancock, 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 237 

to be followed by Sheridan, and make arrangements for assault as soon as it 
can be made. We can determine by the movements of the enemy before the 
time comes whether it will be advisable to go on with the assault. I will put 
in the 18th corps, or not, as you deem best. 

^^ , U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General. 

Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adj't Gen'l. 



Headquakters Army of the Potomac, 

1 p. 7n., Julij 28, 1864. 
Lieutenant General Grant : 

Your despatch of 12.20 received. On reflection, I think daylight of the 30th 
is the earliest time it would be advisable to make the assault. Besides the time 
required to get up heavy guns and mortars, we require the night to make cer- 
tain preliminary arrangements, such as massing troops, removing abatis from 
the debouch of the assaulting column, &c. I shall make the assault with the 
9th corps, supported by the 2d. The reserves of the 18th should be held in 
readiness to take part, and if developments justify it, all of Ord's and Warren's 
commands can be put in. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Asit Adj't Gen'L 



Headquarters Armies of the United States, 

City Point, Va., July 29, 1864. 
General : I have directed General Butler to order General Ord to report to 
you for the attack on Petersburg. The details for the assault I leave for you 
to make out. 

I directed General Sheridan, whilst we were at Deep Bottom last evening, to 
move his command immediately to the left of Warren from Deep Bottom. It 
will be well to direct the cavalry to endeavor to get round the enemy's right 
flank , whilst they will not probably succeed in turning the enemy, they will detain 
a large force to prevent it. I will go out this evening to see you ; will be at your 
headquarters about 4 p. m. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General. 
Major General Geo. G. Meade, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

P. S.— If you want to be at any place on the line at the hour indicated, inform 
me by telegraph, and I will meet you wherever you may be. 

U. S. G. 

• ^'*'^"''= S. WILLIAMS. 

Ass't Adfl Gen'l. 



238 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETEESBURG. 



[Cipher, received 11.40 a. m.] 
By telegraph from City Point, 9.30 a. m., dated August 1, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

Have you any estimate of our losses in the miserable failure of Saturday ? 
I think there will have to be an investigation of the matter. So fair an oppor- 
tunity will probably never occur again for carrying iortifications ; preparations 
were good, orders ample, and everything, so far as I could see subsequent to the 
explosion of the mine, shows that almost without loss the crest beyond the mine 
could have been carried ; this would have given us Petersburg, with all its artillery 
and a large part of the garrison, beyond doubt. An intercepted despatch state 
that the enemy recaptured their line, with General Bartlett and stafif, seventy- 
five commissioned officers, and nine hundred rank and file, and recaptured five 
hundred of their men. 

U. S. GRANT, 

Lieutenant General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't AdjH Geu'l. 



Appendix B. 



Order of the Major General commandivg, for the movement against the enemy^s 
position, July 30, 1864. 

K. 

Orders.] Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864. 
The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all concerned : 

1. As soon as it is dark, Major General Burnside, commanding 9th corps, will 
withdraw his two brigades, under General White, occupying the intrenchments 
between the plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care will 
be taken not to interfere with the troops of the 18th corps moving into their 
position in rear of the 9th corps. General Burnside will form his troops for as- 
saulting the enemy's works at daylight of the 30th, prepare his parapets and 
abatis for the passage of the columns, and have the pioneers equipped for work 
in opening passages for artillery, destroying enemy's abatis, &c., and the in- 
trenching tools distributed for effecting lodgements, &c. 

2. Major General Warren, commanding 5th corps, will reduce the number of 
his troops holding the intrenchments of his front to the minimum, and concen- 
trate all his available forces on his right, and hold them prepared to support the 
assault of Major General Burnside. The preparations in respect to pioneers, in- 
trenching tools, &c., enjoined upon the 9th corps, will also be made by the 5th 
corps. 

3. As soon as it is dark, Major General Ord, commanding 18th corps, will 
relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott's division of the 2d corps, 
and form his corps in rear of the 9th corps, and be prepared to support the as- 
sault of Major General Burnside. 

4. Every preparation will be made fir moving forward the field artillery of 
each corps. 

5. At dark, Major General Hancock, commanding 2d corps, will move from 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 239 

Deep Bottom to the rear of the intrenchments now held by the 18th corps, 
resume the command of Mott's division, and be prepared at daylight to follow 
up the assaulting and supporting columns, or fur such other operations as may 
be found necessary. 

6. Major General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom to Lee's Mill, and at daylight will move with 
his whole corps, including Wilson's division, against the enemy's troops defend- 
ing Petersburg, on their right, by the roads leading to that town from the south- 
ward and westward. 

7. Major Duane, acting chief engineer, will have the pontoon trains parked 
at convenient points in the rear, prepared to move. He will see that supplies of 
sand-bags, gabions, fascines, &c., are in depot near the lines, ready for use. 

He will detail engineer officers for each corps. 

8. At half past three in the morning of the 30th Major General Burnside will 
spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immediately move rapidly upon 
the breach, seize the crest in the rear, and effect a lodgement there. He will be 
followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, directing 
his movement to the crest indicated, and by Major General Warren, who will 
support him on the left. 

Upon the explosion of the mine, the artillery of all kinds in battery will open 
upon those points of the enemy's works whose fire covers the ground over which 
our columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the progress of our 
troops. 

Special instructions respecting the direction of fire will be issued through the 
chief of artillery. 

9. Corps commanders will report to the commanding general when their prep- 
arations are complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of the 
operations, and of everything important that occurs. 

10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential 
to success, and the commanding general is confident that this indication of his 
expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

11. Headquarters during the operations will be at the headquarters of the 9th 
corps. 

By command of Major General Meade. 



Official ; 



S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adfi Gen'l. 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



Appendix 0. 

Despatches from Major General Meade to Major General Burnside, com- 
manding 9tk army corps, and from Major GcneralBurnside to Major General 
Meade, July 26, 29, 30, and 31, 18G4 ; also despatches from General 
Meade to Captain Sanders, A. D. C, and from Captain Sanders to Gene- 
ral Meade, July 30, 1864; also despatches from Lieutenant Colonel Corn- 
stock, A. D. C, to Lieutenant General Grant, July 30, 1864. 



L. 
Headquarters Ninth Army Corps, 

July 26, 1864. 



General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your notes of this 
,rning by Captains Jay and Bache, also of a telegram from the commandmg 



monung ^j ^^-^^ j 

general relating to the same subject 



240 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

It is altogether probable that the enemy are cognizant of the fact that we are 
mining, because it has been mentioned in their newspapers, and they have been 
heard to work on what are supposed to be shafts in close proximity to our gal- 
leries ; but the rain of night before last no doubt filled their shafts and much 
retarded their work. We have heard no sounds of work in them either yester- 
day or to-day, and nothing is heard by us in the mine but the usual sounds of 
work on the surface above. This morning we had some apprehensions that the 
left lateral gallery was in danger of caving in from the weight of the batteries 
above it and the shock of their firing; but all possible precautions have been 
taken to strengthen it, and we hope to preserve it intact. The placing of the 
charges in the mine will not involve the necessity of making a noise. It is 
therefore probable that we will escape discovery, if the mine is to be used within 
two or three days. It is, nevertheless, highly important, in my opinion, that the 
mine should be exploded at the earliest possible moment consistent with the 
general interest of the campaign. I state to you the facts as nearly as I can; 
and, in the absence of any knowledge as to the meditated movements of the army, 
I must leave you to judge the proper time to make use of the mine; but it may 
not be improper for me to say that the advantages reaped from the work would 
be but small if it were exploded without any co-operative movements. 

My plan would be to explode the mine just before daylight in the morning, 
or about five o'clock in the afternoon ; mass the two brigades of the colored 
division in rear of my line in columns of divisions — double columns closed in 
mass; the head of each brigade resting on the front line, and as soon as the 
explosion has taken place move them forward, with instructions for the divisions 
to take half-distance; and as soon as the leading regiments of the two brigades 
pass through the gap in the enemy's line, the leading regiment of the right 
brigade to come into line perpendicular to the enemy's line by the right com- 
panies on the right into line wheel, "the left companies on the right into line," 
and proceed at once down the line of the enemy's work as rapidly as possible; 
the leading regiment of the left brigade to execute the reverse movement to the 
left, moving up the enemy's line ; the remainders of the two columns to move 
directly towards the crest in front as rapidly as possible, diverging in such a 
way as to enable them to deploy into columns of regiments, the right column 
making as nearly as may be for Cemetery hill ; these columns to be followed 
by the other divisions of this corps as soon as they can be thrown in ; this 
would involve the necessity of relieving these divisions by other troops before 
the movement, and of holding columns of other troops in readiness to take our 
place on the crest, in case we gain it and sweep down it. It would be advisable, 
in my opinion, if we succeed in gaining the crest, to throw the colored division 
right into the town. There is a necessity for the co-operation, at least in the 
way of artillery, of the troops on my right and left ; of the extent of this you 
will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of success in a plan of this 
kind are more than even. The main gallery of the mine is five hundred and 
twenty-twd (522) feet in length ; the side galleries, about forty (40) feet each. My 
suggestion is, that eight magazines be placed in the lateral galleries — two at 
each end, say a few feet apart, in branches at right angles to the side galleries; 
and two more in each of the side galleries, similarly placed, situated by pairs, 
equidistant from each other and the end of the galleries. 

[See diagram, page 16.] 

Tamping beginning at the termination of the main gallery for, say, one hun- 
dred feet, leaving all the air space in the side galleries. Run out some five or 
six fuzes, and two wires, to render the ignition of the charge certain. I pro- 
pose to put in each of the eight magazines from twelve to fourteen hundred 
pounds of powder, the magazines to be connected by a trough of powder instead 
of a fuze. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 241 

I beo^ to enclose a copy of a statement from General Potter on the snbject. 
I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a wood near our annnuni- 
tion train, about a mile in rear of this place. Lieutenant Colonel Perrie, chief 
quartermaster, will furnish Captain Strang with a guide to the place. 

I beg" also to request that General Benham be instructed to send us, at once, 
eight thousand (8,000) sand-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes. 
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, j^our obedient sei-\-ant, 

A. E. BURN8IDE. 
Major General Commanding. 
Major General Humphreys, 

Ckiefof Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIA]\[S, 

AssH Arlft Geii'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

IQi a. m., July 29, 1S64. 
^ajor General Burnsidb, Commanding dth Corjjs : 

I am instructed to say that the major general commanding submitted to the 
lieutenant general commanding the armies your proposition to form the lead- 
ing columns of assault of the black troops, and that he, as well as the major 
general commanding, does not approve the proposition, but directs that these 
columns be formed of the white troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of St a^. 
Official: ' 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gcnl: 



M I. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 26, 12 m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

I wish you would submit in writing your project for the explosion of your mine 
with the amount of powder required, that the preliminary questions may be 
definitely settled. You had better also look for some secure place in the woods, 
where the powder required can be brought in wagons, and kept under guard ; 
thus saving the time it will take to unload it from the vessels and haul it to your 
camp. Whenever yoii report as above, and designate a point, 1 will order the 
powder brought up. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Genl. 

Eep. Com. 114-16 



242 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

M 2. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 26, 1864. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

General: The major general commanding directs me to inquire whether 
anything has transpired connected with your mine that leads you to believe it 
is in danger from couutermiuiug. If it is your conviction that it is so endan- 
gered, then the commanding general authorizes you to make every preparation 
for springing it ; but directs that you do not explode it earlier than to-morrow 
afternoon, Wednesday, the 27th, say at four o'clock, if not otherwise ordered. 
The commanding general further directs me to say that the charge of the mine 
should be determined by the usual rules governing such subjects. It is not in- 
tended by the commanding general to follow up the explosion of the mine by an as- 
sault or other operations. If, therefore, the mine can be preserved for use at some 
early future day, when circumstances will admit of its being used in connexion 
with other operations, the commanding general desires that you take no steps 
for exploding it as herein prescribed. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief (tf Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj'l Gen'L 



N. 
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Jult/ 29, 93 p. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

A despatch from General Ord refers to the late hour at which his troops will 
relieve yours in the trenches. The commanding general has informed General 
Ord that it is not necessary for you to wait for your troops to be relieved in the 
trenches by General Ord before forming them for the assault. They should be 
formed for the assault at the hour you deem best, without any reference to Gen- 
eral Ord's troops, who will enter the vacated trenches as soon as they can. 

A. A. HUMPHFvEYS, 
Major General and Chi(f of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—3.20 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

As it is still so dark, the commanding general says you can postpone firing 
tbe mine if you think proper. 

A. A. HUMPHFvEYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 243 



By Telegraph from Ninth Army Corps, 

Dated July 30, 1864 — 3.20 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

The mine will be fired at the time designated. Mj headquarters will be at 
the 14- gun battery. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major Ge?icral. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass'i Adft Gen'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—41 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

Is there any difficulty in exploding the mine ? It is now three-quarters of an. 
hour later tlian that fixed upon for exploding it. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Cldef of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Genl. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864. 
Operator at General Burnside's field headquarters : 

Is General Burnside at his headquarters ? The commanding general is anxious 
to learn what is the cause of delay. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

JmZ?/ 30, 4.29 «.?»., 186 1. 
Major General Burnside : 

If the mine cannot be exploded, something else must be done, and at once. 
The commanding general is awaiting to hear from you. before determiuiug. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft Gen'l. 



244 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

T. 

Headuuarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 4.35 fl. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

The commaudiiig general directs that, if your mine has failed, you make an 
assault at once, opening your batteries. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
I Ass't Adft Genl. 

f 

U. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—5.40 a. m. 
M.ijor General Burnside : 

What news from your assaulting column ? Please report frequently. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gc7il. 



By Telegram from Battery Morton, 

5.40 a. ?n., dated July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

We have the enemy's first line and occiipy the breach. I shall endeavor to 
push forward to the crest as rapidly as possible. 



P. S. — There is a lai-ge fire in Petersburg. 
Official: 



A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain and A. D. C. 

S. WLLLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—5.40 a. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps : 

The commanding general learns that your troops arc halting at the works 
where the mine exploded. He directs that all your troops be pushed forward 
to the crest at once. Call on General Ord to move forward his troops at once. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 245 



By Telegraph from Headquarters, 14-Gun Battery, 

July 30, 1864—5.50 a. m. 
Major Gcnei-al Meade: 

The IStli corps has just been ordered to push forward to the crest. The loss 
does not appear to be heavy. Prisoners coming in. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain and G. M. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen I. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—6 a. m. 
Major General Burnside : 

Prisoners taken say there is no line in their rear, and that their men were 
falling back when ours advanced ; that none of their troops have returned from 
the James. Our chance is now. Push your men forward at all hazards — white 
and black — and don't lose time in making formations, but rush for the crest. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 
Major General Commanding, 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



By Telegraph from Headquarters, 14-Gun Battery, 

July 30, 1864—6.10 a. r,i. 
General Meade : 

General Burnside says that he has given orders to all his division commanders 
to push everything in at once. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

CaiAain and C. M. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't AdjH Gen'l. 



No. 1. 
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6.05 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding ^th Corps: 

The commanding general wishes to know what is going' on on your left, and 
whether it would be an advantage for Warren's supporting force to go in at 
once. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



246 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

No. 2. 
[Telegraph from headquarters 9th corps.] 

Dated July 30, 6.20 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

If General Warren's supporting force can be concentrated just now, ready to 
go in at the proper time, it would be well. I will designate to you when it 
ougbt to move. There is scarcely room for it now in our immediate front. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 



Official : 



Major General. 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't AdjH Gen'l. 



No. 3. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6.50 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

Warren's force has been concentrated and ready to move since 3.30 a. m. 
My object in inquiring was to ascertain if you could judge of the practicability 
of his advancing without waiting for your column. What is the delay in your 
column moving 1 Every minute is most precious, as the enemy undoubtedly 
are concentrating to meet you on the crest, and if you give them time enough, 
you cannot expect to succeed. There is no object to be gained in occupying 
the enemy's line. It cannot be held under their artillery fire without much 
labor in turning it. The great point is to secure the crest at once, and at all 
hazards. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. i. 
[By telegraph from 5th army corps.] 

July 30, 7 a. m., 1864. 
Lieut. General Grant : 

Several regiments of Burnside's men are lying in front of the crater, apparent- 
ly, of the mine. In their rear is to be seen a line of battle of a brigade or more, 
under cover, and I think between the enemy's line and ours. The volley firing 
half (i) hour ago was from the enemy's works in Warren's front. 

C. B. COMSTOCK, 

Lieutenant Colonel. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. . 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 247 



No. 5. 
[Telegraph from headquarters 9 th corps.] 
Received about 7.20 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

I am doing all in my power to pusli the troops forward, and, if possible, we 
will carry tlie crest. It is hard work, but we hope to accomplish it. I am fully 
alive to the importance of it. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 6. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

7.30 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Burnside : 

What do you mean by hard work to take the crest? I understand not a man 
has advanced beyond the enemy's line which you occupied immediatel5^ after 
exploding the mine. Do you mean to say your oificers and men will not obey 
your orders to advance ? If not, what is the obstacle % I wish to know the truth 
and desire an immediate answer. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 7. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juhj 30, 8 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside: 

Since writing by Captain Jay, Captain Sanders has come in and reported 
condition of affairs. He says Griffin has advanced and been checked ; this 
modifies my despatch. Still I should like to know the exact morale of your 
corps. Ord reports he' cannot move till you get out of the way. Can't you 
let him pass out on your right, and let him try what he can do 1 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH ASjH Gen'l. 



248 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



Headquarters 9th Corps, Battery Morton, 

About 7.35 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade: 

Your de^patcli by Captain Jay received. The main body of General Potter's 
divif^ion is beyond the crater. I do not mean to say that my officers and men 
will not obey my orders to advance ; I mean to say that it is very hard to ad- 
vance to the crest. 

I have never in any report said anything different from what I conceived to 
be the truth ; were it not insubordinate, I Avould say that the latter remark of 
your note was unofficerlike and ungentlemauly. 
Respectfully, yours, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass'i Adj't Gcn'l. 



No. 9. 
[By telegraph from 5th army corps.] 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

8 a. 7)1., July 30, 1864. 
Lieutenant General Grant : 

About a brigade more of our men has moved up to the crater, and then filed 
off to the right along the enemy's line ; they are still moving to tlie right. 

C. B. COMSTOCK, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Aide- de- Camp. 
Official: * 

S. WILLIAMS, AssH Adft Gcn'l. 



No. 10. 

[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

8.45 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade: 

One gun has just been taken out of the mine, and is now being put in posi- 
tion. Have not heard anything from the attack made from the left of mine. 
One (1) set of colors just sent in, captured by the negroes. 

W. W. SANDERS, 
Cax>tain and C. M. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

9 a. 771., July 30, 1864. 
General Meade : 

Many of the ninth (9th) and eighteenth (18th) corps are retiring before the 
enemy. I think now is the time to put in the fifth (5th) corps promptly. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major General. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS, J^sH AJft Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBUEG. 249 

No. 12. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 9.30 a. m. 
Major General Burxside, Commanding 9th Corps: 

The major general commanding has heard that the result of your attack has 
been a repulse, and directs that if, in your judgment, nothing further can be 
effected, that you withdraw to your own line, taking every precaution to get the 
men back safely. 



General Ord will do the 
Official : 



A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General and Chief of Staff. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General and Chief of Staff. 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 13. 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

9 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Meade : 

The attack made on right of mine has been repulsed. A great many men 
ai'e coming to the rear. 

W. W. SANDERS, 

Captain and C M. 

Official : S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 14. 



[By teleg-raph.] 

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, 

July 30, 1864 — 9.35 a. m. 
To Lieutenant General Grant : 

I cannot see that we have advanced beyond the enemy's line in the vicinity 
of the mine. From here, it looks as if the enemy were holding a line between 
tliat point and the crest. 

C. B. COMSTOOK, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Aiie-de-Camp. 

Official: . S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 15. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 9£- a. m., 1864. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9th Corps: 

The major general commanding directs that you withdraw to your own in- 
trenchments. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 

Official: S.WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



250 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEKSBURG. 

No. 16. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 10 a. m., 1864. 
Major Generals Burnsidb and Ord : 

You can exercise your discretion in withdrawing your troops now or at a 
later period, say to-niglit. It is not intended to hold the enemy's line which 
you now occupy any longer than is required to withdraw safely your men. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

Official: S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adj't GenH. 



No. 17. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juhj 30, 1864—7.40 p. m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding ^th Corps : 

The major general commanding desires to know whether you still hold the 
crater; and if so, whether you will be able to withdraw your troops from it 
safely to-night, and also to bring off the wounded. The comman<ling general 
wishe? to know how many wounded are probably lying there. It will be recol- 
lected that on a former occasion General Beauregard declined to enter into any ■ 
arrangement for the succor of the wounded and the burial of the dead lying 
under both fires ; hence the necessity of immediate and active efforts for their 
removal in the present case. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Sta^. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 18. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 10.35^, m. 
Major General Burnside, Commanding 9l7i Corps: 

The major general commanding desires to know whether you have any 
wounded left on the field ; and directs me to say that he is awaiting your reply 
to the despatch of 7.40 p. m. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of StaJ^. 

Official: S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 181. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 31, 1864—8.40 a. m. 
Major General Burnsfde, Commanding 9t.k Corps : 

The major general commanding directs me to call your attention to the fact 
that you have made no report to him upon the condition of affairs in your front 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 251 

since he left your headquarters yesterday, and that you have made no reply to 
the two special communicatious upon the subject sent you last night at 7.40 p. 
in., and at 10.40 p. m. 

I am also directed to inquire as to the cause of these omissions. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff'. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH AdJ't Gen'l. 



No. 18J. 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th Corps.] 

July 31, 1S64— 9 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

Your despatch was received just as I was making out a report of our casual- 
ties. I have ixsed every means to get something like accurate reports, but it 
has been difficult. 

The rumors are very numerous and exaggerated. I will send report by mes- 
senger. The order to retreat caused great confusion, and we have lost largely 
in prisoners. 

General Ord's men on our lines were not relieved. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssU Adft Gen'l. 



No. 18f. 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th Corps.] 

July 31, 1864—6.40^. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

The loss in this corps in the engagement of yesterday amounts to about 4,500; 
the great proportion of which was made after the brigade commanders in the 
crater were made aware of the order to withdraw. 

A. E. BUENSIDE, Major General. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 19. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

J% 31, 1864— 7.20p. 77». 
Major General Burnside, Commanding dth Corps: 

Your despatch relative to the loss in your corps yesterday is received. 
The commanding general requests that yoii will explain the meaning of the 
latter part of your despatch, and again reminds you that he has received no re- 
port whatever from you of what occurred after 11a. m. yesterday. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Sta^. 
Official: • 

S. WILLIAMS, AssH Adft Gen'l. 



252 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOKE PETERSBUKG. 

No. 19J. 
[By telegraph from 9th corps ] 

July 31, 1864—9.10 p. m. 
Major General Humphreys, Chief of Staff: 

Your despatch of 7.20 p. m. received. Just before the order for withdrawal 
was seut in to the brigade commanders in the crater, the enemy made an attack 
upon our forces there and were repulsed with very severe loss to the assaulting 
column. The order for withdrawal, leaving the time and manner of the execution 
thereof to the brigade commanders on the spot, was then sent in, and while they 
were making an-angements to carry out the order the enemy advanced another 
column of attack. The officers knowing they were not to be supported by other 
troops, and that a withdrawal was determined, ordered the men to retire at once 
to our old line. It was in this withdrawal, and consequent upon it, that our 
chief loss was made. In view of the want of confidence in their situation, and 
the certainty of no support, consequent upon the receipt of such an order, of 
which moral effects the general commanding cannot be ignorant, I am at a loss 
to know why the latter part of my despatch requires explanation. 

A.'E. BURNSIDE, Major General. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS, Asit Adft Genl. 



No. 20. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 31, 1864— 9 J ^.w. 
Major General Burnsidb, Commanding 9tJi Corps : 

Your despatch explanatory of that in relation to the loss in your corps yes- 
terday is received. 

The major general commanding directs me to say that the order for with- 
drawal did not authorize or justify its being done in the manner in which, judg- 
ing from your brief report, it appears to have been executed, and that the matter 
shall be inquired into by a court. 

The major general commanding notices that the time and manner of with- 
drawal was left to the brigade commanders on the spot. He desires to know 
why there was not a division commander present where several brigades were 
engaged, and by whom the withdrawal could have been conducted. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



Appendix D. 



DespatcJies from Major General Meade to Major General Ord, commanding 
IQth army corj^s, and from Major General Ord to Major General Meade, 
July 29, and 30, 1864. 

No. 21. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July2<^, 9^ p.m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commandt?ig IStli Corps : 

Your despatch of 9.26 p. m. is received. The commanding general does not 
consider it necessary for General Buruside to wait for your troops to relieve his 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEES13UEG. 253 

in tlie trenches. General Burnside can form his troops for the assault withotit 
reference to yours, and your troops can file into the trenches at any time after 
they are vacated. General Burnside is telegraphed to that effect. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 22. 



Headquartkrs Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 4.50 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding IStk Corps: 

General Burnside is ordered, if his mine has foiled, to open all his batteries 
and assault at once. You will consider the orders the same as if the mine had 
exploded and the assault made in consequence. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 

(Just before this was finished the mine exploded and the batteries opened. 
It was not sent.— A. A. H.) 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 23. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding ISth Corjjs : 

The major general commanding directs that you at once move forward your 
corps rapidly to the crest of the hill, independently of General Buruside's 
troops, and make a lodgement there, rei^ortiug the result as soon as attained. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy: 

S. WILLIAM S, AssH Adft Gen'l. 



No. 231. 
[By telegraph from headquarters 9th army corps.] 

July 30, 8 a. m., 1864. 
General Meade : 

General Turner, in my front, reports that the only place I can get out of the 
line is opposite the crater. It is already full of men who cannot develop. I 
shall put in my column as sion as I can. It is impossible, by reason of the 
topography, to charge in the manner you indicate. I must go in by head of 
column, and develop to the right. This is reply to orders from General Meade 
to push for crest of hill, regardless of General Burnsi^e's troops. General Ames 
makes similar reports. 

E. 0. C. ORD, Major General. 
Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, AssH Adft Gen'l. 



254 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



No. 23^. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 9f a. m., 1864. 
Major General Ord, Commanding ld>th Corps: 

The major general commanding directs that you witlidraw your corps to the 
rear of the 9th corps, in some secure place. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 

Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 24. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 10 a. m., 1864. 
Major Generals Burnside and Ord: 

You can exercise your discretion in withdrawing your troops now or at a later 
period — say to-night. 

It is not intended to hold the enemy's line which you now occupy any longer 
than is required to withdraw safely your men. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major General. 

Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft GerCl. 



Appendix E. 



Despatches from Major General Meade to Major General Warren, com- 
manding 5th army corps, and from Major General Warren to Major Gen- 
eral Meade, July 30, 1864. 

No. 25. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 4.40 a.?fi., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding 5lh Corjys : 

General Burnside is directed, if his mine has failed, to open all his batteries 
and assault. Upon hearing his batteries open you will open all in your front. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

y S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Genl. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOKE PETERSBURG. 255 



No. 26. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 5.50 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Warrex, Coimnandirtg 5tJi Corps : 

General Burnside is occupying the crater with some of his troops. He re- 
ports that no enemy is seen in their Hue. How is it in your front % Are the 
enemy in force there, or weak 1 

If there is apparently an opportunity to carry their works, take advantage 
of it and push forward your troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General cmd Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS. 

Ass't Adft GcTil. 



No. 27. 

[By telegraph from 5th army corp.s.] 

July 30, 6 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

Your despatch just received. It is difficult to say how strong the enemy may 
be in my front. He has batteries along the whole of it. I will watch for the first 
opportunity. I can see the whole line well where I am. The enemy has been 
running from his first line in front of General Burnside's right for some minutes, 
but seems to be a very heavy line of troops just behind it in high breastworks. 
There is a battery in front of General Burnside's left which fires towards the 
river, the same as it did ou the ISth of June, and which our artillery fire has 
but very little efiect on. 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Aclft Genl. 



[By telegraph from headquarters 5th army corps.] 

July 30, 6.15 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Humphreys: 

I have just received a report from my line on the centre and left. The enemy 
opened with musketry when our firing commenced, but our own fire kept down, 
and also that of all their artillery except in the second line on the main ridge, from 
which they fire a little. Major Fitzhugh, of the artillery, is badly wounded by 
a musket ball in the thigh. None of the enemy have left my front that we 
can see. 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



256 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

No. 29. 

[By telegraph from 5th army corps.] 

July 30, 6.20 a. m., 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

What we thought was the heavy line of the enemy behind the line occupied 
by General Buruside's troops proves, as the sunlight comes out and the smoke 
clears away, to be our own troops in the enemy's position. 

G. K. WARRE^T, 

Major General. 
Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 30. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 6.30 a.m., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding 5th Corps : 

The signal officer reports that none of the enemy's troops are visible in their 
works near the lead works. The commanding general wishes, if it is practi- 
cable, that you make an attack in that direction. Prisoners say there are but 
three divisions in the works, and but one line of intreuchments, thinly filled 
with their troops. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 

A despatch just going to Wilson to make a lodgement on the Weldon railroad 
and move up along it to the enemy's right flank. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't AdjH Gen'l. 



No. 31. 



Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, 

July 30, 6.40 a. m., 1864. 
General Humphreys : 

I have all my troops on my right except General Crawford's. I have sent him 
your despatch, with directions to do whatever he can on the left with Baxter's 
brigade and half of Lyle's. 

Do you mean for me to move Ayres's in that direction ? The enemy have a 
30-pounder battery on the main ridge in my front, behind their first line. We 
cannot make out what his second line is. 

Respectfully, G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 257 

No. 32. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juhj 30, 7 a. VI., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding 5th Corps : 

What about attacking the enemy'.s right flank near the lead works with that 
part of your force nearest to it ? 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft Gen'' I. 



No. .33. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 71 a. ?«., 1864. 
Major General Warren, Commanding 5th Corps: 

Your despatch respecting attacking the enemy's extreme right received. The 
general commanding will await General Crawford's reconnoisiance before de- 
termining whether you should send Ayres also in that direction. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Sta^. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 34. 

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, 

July 30—7.50 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys : 

I have just returned from the scene of General Burnside's operations. In my 
opinion, the battery of one or two guns to the left of General Burnside should be 
taken before attempting to seize the crest. It seems to me it can be done, as 
we shall take ihe infantry fire quite obliquely. This done, the advance upon 
the main hill will not be difficult. I think it would pay you to go to General 
Burnside's position. You can see in a moment, and it is as easy to communicate 
with me as by telegraph. 

It will be some time before we can hear from Crawford. 
Respectfully, 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft Gen'l. 



No. oj. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

8 a. VI., Juhj 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys: 

I sent your despatch to General Crawford with directions to do what he could. 
He says the lead Avorks are over a mile from the angle of my picket line. I do 
not think an attack upon the enemy's works at or near that point at all practi- 
Rep. Com. 114—17. 



258 EXPLOSION OF THE Mllfii. BEFOKE PETERSBURG. 

cable. Witli the force I can spare, I can make a demonstration if it is tlesired,' 
the cavalry are moving and I will have my left uncovered. He sent word he 
will await further orders. lie is so far off that I do not think it well to wait 
for anything more he can do, and I renew my suggestion that you take a look 
at things from General Burnside's headquarters, and direct me either to go in 
with Burnside, or go around to my left with xVyres's division, and I do the other 
thing. 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No 36. 

Headquarters Army of the Poto.mac, 

8| a. VI., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Warrex, Command'ivg btli Corj^s : 

Your despatch is received. The major general commanding directs that you 
go in with I3urnside, taking the two-gun battery. The movement on the left 
need not be carried further than rcconnoissance to see in what force the enemy 
is holding his right. The cavalry are ordered to move up on your left and to 
keep up connexion. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General, Chief of Stajf. . 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 37. 

Bv Telegraph fro.m Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

9.15 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

Just before receiving your despatch to assault the battery on the left of the 
crater occupied by General Burnside, the enemy drove his troops out of the 
place, and I think now hold it. I can find no one who knows for certainty or 
seems willing to admit, but I think I saw a rebel battle-flag in it just now, and 
shots coming from it this way. I am, therefore, if this is true, no more able to 
take the battery now than I was this time yesterday. All our advantages are 
lost. I await further instructions, and am trying to get at the condition of affairs 
for certainty. 

G. K. WARREN, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 38. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

9.25 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Warren : 

The attack ordered on the two-gun battery is suspended. 

GEO. G. MEADE, Major General. 
Ofiicial copy : 

S. ^IIAAAU?^, Ass' t Adj't Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 25B' 



No. 38^. 

By Teleguaph from Headquarters Fifth Corps, 

July 30, 1864—9.45 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys, CTih'f of Staff: 

General: I find that the flag I saw was the enemy's, and that they have 
reoccupied all the line we drove them from, except a little around the. crater 
which a small force of ours still hold. 
Respectfully, 

G. K. WARREN, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't GerCl. 



Headquarters Ar.aiy of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—9.45 a. m. 
General Warren, at 9/7i Corjis Hcadriuarters : 

A despatcli has been sent to your headquarters rescinding order to attack; 
all offensive operations are suspended. You can resume your original position 
with your command. 



Official ; 



GEORGE G. lilEADE. 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen't. 



No. 40 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — op. m. 

Major Generals Warren and Burnside: 

Signal officers report the enemy returning rapidly from the north side of the 
James. Every preparation should be made to strengthen the line of works 
where any obstacles have to-day been removed. The lines should be held 
strongly with infantry and artillery, posted wherever practicable; available 
reserves held in hand ready for movement in case it becomes necessary. I an- 
ticipate offensive movements on the part of the enemy, and expect it will be by a 
movable column, turning our left and threatening our rear. 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 

Major General Commanding. 

Major General Hancock will, to-night, resume his former position, and Gen- 
eral Ord his also. 

Official cop3^: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



260 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

Appendix i\ 

Despatches from Major General Mcaile to Brigadier General Matt, command- 
ing division, 2d army corps, and to Major General Hancock, commanding 
2d army corps ; also despatches from Major General Hancock to Major 
General Meade, July 30, 1864. 

No. 41. 

HEADQUARTEPiS ArMY OF THE PoTOMAC, 

July 30, 1864—4.40 a. m. 

Brigadier General Mott, Com?nandivg Division in Intrenclnnents of ISfh 
Corps, Old Headquarters of IStk Corps: 

General Burnside is ordered, if his mine has foiled, to open all the batteriea 
on Ids front and assault at once. 

Upon hearing his batteries open, have all the batteries of the 18th corps 
opened. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 

Major General, Chief of Staf. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 42. 
Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864—4.50 ,i. m. 
Operator at Headquarters ISth Corps : 

Send the following message by orderly to General Hancock : 
Major General Hancock, Co?nmanding 2d Corps: 

The commanding general wishes you to be about the headquarters of the 18th 
corps, so that he can communicate with you at any t.me. 

A. A. HUMPHPvEYS, 
3Iajur General, Chief of St aj. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 4.^. 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 30, 1864 — 6 a. m. 
Major General Hancock, Commanding 2d. Corps: 

The major general commanding directs me to say that General Burnside 
reports the enemy's line in his front abandoned, and the prisoners taken say 
that tliere is no second line. The commandii)g general may call on you t^) 
move forward at any moment, and wishes you to have your troops well up to 
the front prepared to move. Do the enemy's lines in f. ont of Mott's divis- 
ion appear to be thinly occupied, and is there any chance to push forward there? 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General, Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Ge7i'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 261 

No. 44. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Army Corps, 

JuJy 30, 1864—6 a. m. 
Mnjor General Humphreys: 

It is not possible to say about the line in front of General Mott, as both parties 
keep down firing whenever a head is shown. General Ord left word for me by- 
General Mott that there was no place to assault here, as the line was not only 
protected by abatis but by wire. This was the decision of himself and his divis- 
ion commanders, and he requested General Mott so to inform me. 1 kno\^ 
nothing more about it. I will be prepared for your orders. 

W. S. HANCOCK. 
Official copy: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 45. 

By Telegarph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

JuJij 30, 1864— 6.20 a. m. 
Major General Humphreys, C?iief of Staff: 

I have sent out to have General Mott's line examined as far as practicable, to 
see how strong the enemy appear to hold their line in General Mott's front. 

W. S. HANCOCK, M. G. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gcn'l. 



No. 45.}. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

6.30 a. m., Juhj 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

I have directed General Mott to advance a skirmish line to see whether the 
enemy hold a strong line in his front. 

W. S. HANCOCK, Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS. 

Ass't Ac/ft Gen'l. 



No. 45f. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

6.50 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Geo. G. Meade: 

The brigade next to General Burnside's attempted an advance of a skirmish 
line just now, and lost the officer in command of the line and several men in 
getting over the parapet. The enemy's mortars are at work, but they cannot 
fire much artillery other than this. The other brigades have not yet been heard 
from. Your despatch is just received. 1 will continue to M'atch the enemy in 
my front. 

W. S. HANCOCK, Major General. 

Official copy: S.WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



262 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



No. 46. 

Headuuartrrs Army of the Potomac, 

7 a. m., July 30, 1SG4. 
Major General Hancock : 

The report from prisouers would indicate weakness in the enemy's line, and 
that a considerable portion has been vacated. 

If Burnside and Ord gain the crest, the enemy cannot hold in your front, 
for they will be open to attack from front and rear. It was to take advantage 
of this contingency that I wanted yoii to have your troops in hand. 

The orders to Mott are all right. If the enemy are in force and prepared, 
you will have to await developments; but if you have reason to believe their 
condition is such that an effort, to dislodge them would be successful, I would 
like to have it made. Burnside now occupies their line, but has not pushed up 
to the crest, though he reports he is about doing so. 



Official : 



GEO. G. MEADE. 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gcnl,. 



No. 47. 

By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Corps, 

7 a. m., July 30, 1864. 
General Humphreys, Chief of Stajf : 

Report from the 2d brigade of General Motl's division shows that the enemy are 
there in some strength, having two batteries which they fire seldom, owing to the 
close proximity of our riflemen. The commanding officer of the brigade says 
he can see every man Avho leaves his front to their right, and none have left 
since daylight. He is using mortars effectively. I will report any change of 
troops. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 

Official copy: S.WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gail. 



No. 48. 



By Telegraph from Headquarters 2d Army Corps, 

9 a ?n., July 30, 1864. 
Major General Humphreys : 

General Mott's remaining brigade deceived the enemy in their front by put- 
ting their hats on rammers above the parajiet, which elicited quite a spirited 
volley. 

W. S. HANCOCK, 

Major General. 
Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS. 

Ass't. Adft. Gen'l. ■ 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 263 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

9.25 a. m., Juhj 30, 1S64. 
Major General Hancock : 

OfFensive operations have been suspended. You will for the present hold in 
force the lines held by the 18th corps. Make your dispositions accordingly. 

GEO. G. MEADE, 
Major General Co7nviajidins^. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't AdjH Gen'}. 



Appendix G. 

Miscellaneous pajiers. 



Despatches from Major General Humphreys to Major General Sheridan and 
Brigadier General Wilson, July 29, 1864. 

Despatches from Major General Humphreys, dhief of staff, to Brigadier Gen- 
eral White, temporarily commanding 4th division 9th corps, July 29, 1864. 

Despatches from Major General Humphreys, chief of staff, to Colonel Wain- 
wright, chief of artillery, 5th corps, July 30, 1864. 

Despatches from signal officei-s, July 30, 1864. 

Report of Major Duane, acting chief engineer of operations, July 30, 1864. 

No. 50. 

, Headquarters Army op the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—10 ;?. rn. 
Major General Sheridan, Commandrng Cavalry Coi-ps : 

The commanding general directs that you keep up connexion with our left 
in the operations of to morrow. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 
Official copy .: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft Gen'l. 



No. 51. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—10 a. m. 
Brigadier General Wi'LSON, Comd'g 3d Division Cavalry: 

The major general commanding directs that you concentrate your division 
on the left, somewhere near the plank road, and hold its available force ready for 
prompt movement. 

The guard left with trains should be merely sufficient to protect them against 
any small irregular parties of the enemy. The dismounted men should form 
this guard. Please report your location as soon as established. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 



264 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

P. S. — The patrols and pickets ou the north side of the Blackwater should 
be reduced to the minimum consistent with watching the main avenues of 
approach. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 52. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—2^^. m. 
Brigadier General Wilson, 

Coind'g Cavalry Division, Jordan's Point : 
The commanding general considers that not more than one regiment should 
remain north of the Blackwater, and that be so posted as to be brought in 
rapidly to-morrow morning. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major Gejieral and Chief of Staff. 
Official copy : 

S. AVILLIAMS. 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 53. 

^ Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864— 3^^. m. 

Brigadier General Wilson, Comd'g 2d Division Cavalry Corps: 

General : Major General Sheridan is ordered to move at dark to Lee's mill, 
and at daylight against the enemy's troops defending Petersburg on their right, 
by the roads leading to that town from the southward and Avestward. 

Your division will accompany him, and the commanding general directs that 
you be prepared to call in your patrols and pickets early to-morrow morning 
and move with the cavalry corps. You will send a staff officer to meet General 
Sheridan and receive his instructions. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'l. 



Headquarters Araiy of the Potomac, 

July 29, 1864—3;?. m. 
Brigadier General White, 

Co77imanding {temporary") Division, dth Corps: 
The major general commanding directs that, as soon as it is dark, you with- 
draw your command from the intrenchments you are now holding, and move to 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 265 

tlie position of the 9tli corps, and report to your corps commander. You will 
call in your pickets upon movins:. 

You will at once report to Major General Burnside, and receive liis instruc- 
tions as to the route you will take. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Staff". 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 55. 



» Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Juli/ 30, 1864— 4.34 a. ?n. 

Colonel Wainwright, Chief of Artillery, 5th Corps: 

General Burnside is directed, if his mine has failed, to open all the batteries 
on his front and assault at once. Upon hearing his batteries open, those of the 
5th corps will open also. 

A. A. HUMPHREYS, 
Major General and Chief of Stajff. 
Official: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adj't Gen'L 



No. 56. 



Plank Road SigiVal Station, 

July 30, 1864 — 5 a. ?n. 
Major B. F. Fisher: 

■ There are no tents or the sign of any force on the right of the enemy's line 
near lead works. 

The two batteries directly in front of station, which opened heavily this 
morning, have ceased firing. 

A large building is burning in the city. 

I have seen no movement of the enemy's troops. 

J. B. DUFF. 
Lieutenant, tiignal OJJicer. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adft Gen'L 



No. 57. 
[By teleg;r<iph from Plank Road signal station.] 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

My 30, 1864—6.20 a. m. 
Major Fisher : 

The enemy's infantry has been passing to our right for twenty minutes ; first 
noticed them at a point due west of the station marching in rear of their line ; 
they came out in plain view at a point northwest from station. The column 



26G EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

was at least a strong brigade ; all the camps one-quarter mile of lead works 
have been broken up ; the largest visible from station has just been broken up 
and the troops moved to our right. 

J. B. DUFF, Signal Officer. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

AssH Adj't Gen'l. 



No. 68. 
[By telegraph from 5th corps.] 

July 30, 1864. 
Major Fisher : 

The enemy are wholly concealed along the line in view of this station. Not 
one has been seen ; only three guns, and those in redoubts at Gregor house, 
reply to us. 

Copy sent to General Warren. 

S. LYON, Lieutejiant. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



No. 59. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Office of Chief Engineet:, Aifgnst 5, 1864. 
Sir: In compliance with directions received from you to-day, I have the 
honor to make the following report of the duty performed by the engineer offi- 
cers during the assault of July 30. 

In compliance with directions from the chief of staff, I detailed an officer of 
engineers for duty with each corps that Avas ordered to take part in the attack 
on the 30th of July. 

Major Michler, who was charged with selecting the position of the column 
on the right, after having reconnoitred the position, reported to General Ord, 
and was informed that his subordinate generals had already examined the posi- 
tion, were thoroughly acquainted with the ground, and required no further 
assistance. They had already determined to take the same position indicated 
by Majur Michler. Two engineer officers belonging to the 18th corps accom- 
panied the movement. 

Lieutenant Benyaura, engineer, who has been on duty on the 9tli corps front, 
reported to General Burnside and remained with him during the whole affair. 
After having consulted with the commanding general of the 5th corps as to 
the direction his column would take, I proceeded to the batteries in front of that 
corps and assisted Colonel Abbott in directing their fire so as to silence that of 
the enemy against the assaulting column. 1 then repaired to the right of his 
line. By this time, however, the attack had been abandoned and my services 
were no longer required. 
Very respectfully, 

J. C. DUANE, 3Iajor Engineers. 
Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Ass't ASft Gen'l. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETEESBUEG. 267 



No. GO. 

CiKciLAR.j Headquarters Ninth Armv Corps, 

Juhj 29, 1864. 

I. The mine will be exploded to-morrow morriing at half past three by 
Colonel Pleasants. General Potter will issue the necessary orders to the 
colonel for the explosion. 

II. General Ledlio will, immediately upon the explosion of the mine, move 
his division forward as directed by verbal orders this day, and if possible crown 
the crest at the point known as Cemetery hill, occupying, if possible, the ceme- 
tery. 

III. General Wilcox will move his division forward as soon as possible after 
General Led lie has passed through the first line of the enemy's works, bearing 
off to the left so-as to effectually protect the left flank of General Ledlie's col- 
umn, and make a lodgement, if possible, on the Jerusalem plank road, to the left 
of General Ledlie's division. 

IV. General Potter will move his division forward to the right of General 
Ledlie's division as soon as it is apparent that he will not interfere with the 
movements of General Wilcox's division, and will, as near as possible, protect 
the right flank of General Ledlie from any attack on that quarter, and establish 
a line on the crest of a ravine which seems to run from the Cemetery hill nearly 
at light angles to the enemy's main line, directly in our front. 

V. Genera] Ferrero Avill move his division immediately after General Wil- 
cox's until he reaches our present advance line, where he Avill remain until the 
ground in his front is entirely cleared by the other three divisions, when he will 
move forward over the same ground that General Ledlie moved over, will pass 
through our line, and, if possible, move dovv-n and occupy the village to the 
right. 

VI. The formations and movements of all these divisions, together witli their 
places of rendezvous, will be as near as possible in accordance with the under- 
standing during the personal interviews with the division commanders. 

The headcjuarters of the corps during the movement will be at the fourteeu- 
gun battery, in rear of the Taylor house. If further instructions are desired 
by the division commanders, they will please ask for them at once. 
By order of Maior General Burnside. 

^Y. H. HARRIS, 
CLrptain Ordnance, U. S. A. 
Oflicial : 

J. L. VAN BUREN, 

Major and A. D. C. 



No. (31. 

Orders.] Headquarters Armv of the Potomac, 

Juhj 9, 1864. 

1. The operations of this army against the intrenched position of the enemy 
defending Petersburg will be by regular approaches on the front opposed to 
General Burnside's and General Warren's corps. 

2. The siege works will be constructed under the direction of the acting 
chief engineer of the array. Major J. C. Duane, corps of engineers, upon plans 
prepared by him and approved by the commanding geueral. Those plans that 
relate to the employment of the artillery will be prepared jointly by the acting 



268 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 

chief engineer and the chief of artillery of the army, Brigadier General H. J. 
Hunt, United States volunteers. Duplicates of the plan of siege will he fur- 
nished the commanders of the 9th and 5th corps. 

3. The engineer officers and troops of the army will receive their orders from 
the chief engineer, who v/ill regulate the hours at which they will go on duty. 

4. The siege artillery will be served under the directioa of the chief of artil- 
lery of the army, who will prescribe the hours at which artillery officers and 
troops go on duty. 

5. A general of the trenches Avill be detailed daily for each of the two fronts 
designated where the siege operations are carried on by the commanders of the 
9th and 5th corps respectively. 

Guards of the trenches will in like manner be detailed daily from those corps. 
The strength of the guard will be determined by the commander of the corps 
furnishing it. 

The general of the trenches is responsible for the security of the siege 
operations and the police and discipline of the trenches, and will dispose the 
guard so as to protect the working parties and repel sorties. For armed pur- 
poses, as well as for police and discipline, he commands all in the trenches. 

He will report for instructions at the headquarters of his corps on the day 
previous to going on duty, and will confer with the officers of engineers and 
artillery in charge of the trenches and batteries, and visit the localities of the 
siege works, so as to make himself familiar with the ground, and determine 
upon the best disposition of the guard. 

He will go on duty at 8 a. m., and, upon being relieved, will turn over to his 
successor all orders and instructions and information that he is possessed of 
pertaining to the duties specified. 

The commander of the guard of the trenches will report to him for instruc- 
tions at 8 a. m. 

The guard of the trenches will go on duty at dark. Previous to the com- 
mencement of his tour of service, the commander will report for instructions to 
the general of the trenches. 

The commander of the guard will report hourly to the general of the trenches 
what is transpiring in front, and immediately everything of importance. 

The general of the trenches will make similar reports to the corps com- 
mander, who will transmit anything important to the commander of the army. 

Upon being relieved, the general of the trenches will make a written report 
to his corps commander of the operations carried on during his tour, which will 
be forwarded to the commanding general of the army. 

6. For the work of the trenches, details from the two corps named vrill be 
made upon the requisitions of the chiefs of engineers and artillery. These 
requisitions will specify the character and locality of the work to be performed. 

An officer of high rank will be detailed daily to take charge of the working 
parlies of each corps. He will be responsible for the faithful and energetic 
performance of duty by the working parties, and will see that they conform to 
the directions of the engineer and artillery officers in charge of the works. 

In the event of an attack, he will command the working parties under the 
orders of the general of the trenches, and as soon after the commencement of 
his tour of duty as practicable he will report to that officer the manner in 
which the working parties are distributed. 

He w 11 report for instructions at the headquarters of his corps on the day 
before he goes on duty, and will confer with the engineer and artillery officers 
in charge of the trenches, and receive information from them as to the manner 
of performing the work, and visit the localities before dark, so as to make him- 
self familiar with the same. He Avill go on duty at 8 a. m. 

Upon being relieved, he will turn over to his successor all orders, instruc- 
tions, and information pertaining to the duty that he may be possessed of. 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 269 

Working parties will go on duty just before daylight. They will be 
equipped for action. 

Upon being relieved, he will make a written report to his corps commander 
of the work executed by the working parties under his charge, which will be 
forwarded to the major general commanding the army. 

7. Materials for the siege will be prepared by working parties detailed from 
the corps not iu the trenches, upon requisitions of the acting chief engineer and 
chief of artillery. 

8. The corps will^ relieve each other in the duties of the trenches should it 
be found necessary. 

9. The acting chief engineer and chief of artillery will report every twelve 
hours to the commanding ,^■eneral the progress made in the operations. 

The morning report will include a statement of the work proposed to be 
executed in the next twenty-four (24) hours following the tour of working 
duty then going on. These reports will be accompanied by drawings exhibit- 
ing the same. 

Duplicates of these reports will be furnished to the commanders of the corps 
on whose front the operations are conducted. 
By command of Major General Meade : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Official : 

EDWARD M. NEILL, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



No. 62. 

Headqarters NiXTH Army Corps, 

Jtihj 3, 1864. 
I have delayed answering your despatch until I could get the opinion of my 
division commanders and have another reconnoissance of the lines made by one of 
my staff. If my opinion is required as to whether now is the best time to 
make an assault, it being understood that if not made the siege is to continue, 
I should unhesitatingly say wait until the mine is finished. 

If the question is between making an assault now, and a change of plan 
looking to operations iu other quarters, I should unhesitatingly say assault now. 
If the assault be delayed until the completion of the mine, I think we should 
have a more than even chance of success. If the assault be made now I think 
we have a fair chance of success, provided my corps can make the attack, and 
it is left to me to say when and how the other two corps shall come in to my 
support. 

1 have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, ypur obedient servant, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 
Major General Com7natiding 9fk Army Corps. 
Miijor General Meade, 

- Commanding Army of the Po'omac. 

Ofiicial copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



270 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 



■ No. 63. 

Headquarters Ar:\iy of the Potomac, 

July, 3, 1864. 

General: Your note by Mtijor Leydig has been received. As you are of 
the opinion there is a reasonable degree of probability of success from an as- 
sault in your front, I shall so report to the lieutenant general commanding, and 
await his instructions. 

The recent operations in your front, as you are aware, though sanctioned by 
me, did not originate in any orders from these headquarters. Should, however, 
it be determined to employ the army under niy command in ofi'ensive operations 
on your front, I shall exercise the prerogative of my position to control and 
direct the same, receiving gladly at all times such suggestions as yuu may 
think proper to make. I consider these remarks necessary in consequence of 
certain conditions which you have thought proper to attach to your opinion, 
acceding to which, in advance would not, in my judgment, be consistent with 
my position as commanding general of this army. I have accordingly directed 
Major Duane, chief engineer, and Brigadier General Hunt, chief of artillery, to 
make an examination of your lines and to confer with you as to the operations 
to be carried on, the running of the mine now in progress and the posting of 
artillery. 

It is desirable as many guns as possible bearing on the point to be assaulted 
should be placed in position. 

I agree with you in opinion the assault should be deferred till the mine is 
completed, provided that can be done in a reasonably short period, say a week. 

Roads should be opened to the rear to facilitate the movements of the other 
corps sent to take part in the action, and all the preliminary arrangements 
possible should be made. Upon the reports of my engineer and artillery 
officers the necessary orders will be given. 
Respectfully yours, 

GEO. G. MEADE, 

Major General Commanding. 

Major General Burnside, 

Cojumanding 9th Army Corps. 

Official : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



No. 64. 
[Coufideiitial.] 

Headquar'jers Ni.\th Army Corps, 

July 4, 1864. 
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of last 
evening. I am very sorry that I should have been so unfortunate in expressing 
myself in my letter. It was written in haste, just after receiving the necessary 
data upon which to strengthen an opinion already pretty well formed. I assure 
you, in all candor, that I never dreamed of implying any lack of confidence in 
your ability to do all that is necessary in any grand movement which may be 
undertaken by your army. Were you to personally direct an attack from my 
front I would feel the utmost confidence; and were 1 called upon to support an 



EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE PETERSBURG. 271 

attack from the front of the 2d or Gth corps, directed by yourself, or by either 
of the commanders of thos" corps, I woukl do it with confidence and cheerful- 
ness. It is hardly necessary for me to say that I have had the utmost faith iu 
your ability to handle troops ever since my acquaintance with you in the army 
of the Potomac, and certainly accord to you a much higher position iu the art of 
war than I possess ; a^id I at the same time entertain the greatest respect for the 
skill of the iwo gentlemen commanding the 2d and Gth army corps; so that my 
duty to the country, to you, and to myself, forbids that I should for a moment 
assume to embarrass you or them by an assumption of position or authority. I 
simply desired to ask the privilege of calling upon them for support at such 
times and at such points as I thought advisable. I would gladly accoi-d to 
either of them the same support, and would be glad to have either of them lead 
the attack, but it would have been obviously improper for me to have suggested 
that any other corps than my own should make the a' tack in my front. What 
I asked in reference to calling upon the other corps for support is only what I 
have been called upon to do and have cheerfully done myself in regard to other 
corps commanders. 

If a copy of my letter has been forwarded to the general-in-chief, which I 
take for granted has been done, that he may be possessed of my full opinion, it 
may make the same impression upon him as upon yourself, and I beg that you 
will correct it ; in fact, I beg that such impression may be as far as possible re- 
moved wherever it has made a lodgement. 

My desire is to sirpport you, and in doing that I am serving the country. 

With ordinary good fortune we can pretty safely promise to finish the mine 
in a week — I hope in less time. 

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. E. BUKNSIDE, 
Major General Com?nanding 9tk Army Corps. 

Major General Meade, 

Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Official copy : 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headuuarters Army of tub Potomac, 

July 24, 1864. 
Major : Please give me, with as little delay as practicable, your views on the 
expediency of an assault on the enemy's works after a successful springing of 
General Burnside's mine, and particularly your views as to the subsequent op- 
erations after carrying the enemy's first line, and following up a lodgement on 
the crater of the mine. 

Respectfully yours, 

GEORGE G. MEADE, 
Major General Commanding. 
Major J. C. Duane, 

Acting Chief Engineer, Army cf Potomac. '' 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 
Offix^e of Chief Engineer, July 24, 1864. 
General : In reply to your communication of this date, 1 have the honor to 
state that the line of the enemy's works iu front of General Burnside is not sit- 



272 EXPLOSION OF THE MINE BEFORE FETERSBURG. 

uatccl on the crest of tlie ridge separating us from Petersburg — that the enemy 
have undoubtedly occupied this ridge as a second line. Should General Bnrn- 
side succeed in exploding his mine, he would probably be able to take the en- 
emy's first line, which is about one hundred yards in advance of his approach. 
Beyond this 1 do not think he could advance until the works in front of the 
5th corps are carried, as the 9th corps columns would be taken in flank by a 
Imry artiUenj fuc from works in front of the centre of the 5th corps, and in 
front by fire from the works on the crest near the Cemetery hill. 

I do not believe that the works in front of the 5th corps can be carried until 
our lines can be extended to the h^ft so as to envelop the enemy's line. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. C. DUANE, Major of Engineers. 
Major General Meade, 

Commanding Army of 'Potomac. 



607 



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